BEIJING - President Xi Jinping paid tribute on Sunday to outstanding workers and called for hard work to realize national revival.

Xi made the speech at a meeting with winners of the title of "Model Workers" at the office of the All China Federation of Trade Unions, ahead International Workers' Day on May 1.

He said he expected the working class to set the example in realizing the country's collective dream of national revival.

"Happiness does not fall out of the blue and the dream will not come true by itself," he said. "We need to be down to earth and work hard."

The working class is always China's leading class, the most reliable and firmest foundation of the Communist Party of China as well as the main force to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects, according to the president.

China should lean on the working class to develop socialism with Chinese characteristics, he added.

Xi said he hoped all workers would fulfill their responsibilities to the country and history and combine their personal desires with the national dream.

He also called on the whole society and people to respect workers and their work.

"We should uphold the idea that working hard is the most honorable, noblest, greatest and most beautiful virtue," he told the audience.

Xi pledged to protect the rights and interests of workers and ensure social justice so that all workers can live a dignified life and develop themselves.

Senior Party and government officials should learn from model workers and firmly prevent bureaucracy and extravagance, the president also suggested.