Russian Federation Putin revives Soviet-era Hero of Labor award

[JPL]

President Vladimir Putin has revived the Soviet-era Hero of Labor award, once again turning to the symbols of the Soviet Union to reach Russians who look back to those times with nostalgia. Putin, a 60-year-old former KGB officer, also has turned to Soviet practices to address the problems of Russia today. In his decree, the president said he was establishing the title Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation "with the goals of raising the social significance and prestige of selfless and honest labour." The new Hero of Labor medal is now Russia's highest state award and as such is to be worn on the left side of the chest and above all other Russian and Soviet awards. The medal is to be made from gold with a weight of 15.25 grams (more than half an ounce). The award should be given to Russian citizens who "make a significant contribution to the social and economic development of the country, including development of industrial and agricultural production, transport, construction, science, culture, education and health care, and also other spheres of activity," the decree states.

Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Russias+President+Putin+revive+Sovietera+Hero+Labor+award/8169758/story.html#ixzz2OzDKxIsy

Jean-Paul

[TacHel]

This was done in response to years of lobbying from labor unions and workers' groups, don't let the media turn this into what it isn't... Putin signed the decree that was laid on his desk, any other president would've done the same.

They also mention his reintroduction of the red star for the military, it never left... Bit of freelancing BS by the journalist, the unfortunately ever present media sensationalism.