News Story: Love Shoes

“In the past, I never really thought much about a pair of labor protection shoes. It was just something we wore without giving it a second thought. But today, as I step into these heavy and secure shoes, I feel something deep within me—these simple labor insurance shoes carry so much meaning,” said an employee from the oilfield operations company on March 19, during a feedback session with the comprehensive service office’s labor protection factory.

The oilfields are starting to ramp up production in early spring, and the workload for frontline staff has increased significantly. To ensure their safety and comfort, the oilfield operating companies have prioritized providing new labor protection shoes as quickly as possible. The four operating areas have all committed to this goal, emphasizing that the labor protection equipment must be fully available before the busy season begins.

Meanwhile, the labor protection factory is working around the clock to meet the demand. In the spring of March, the factory kicked off its production schedule, with teams working tirelessly to fulfill orders. The shoe-making workshop, one of the most critical departments, is composed of a dedicated team where over 80% of the workers have varying degrees of physical disabilities. Despite this, they have never missed a deadline, consistently delivering high-quality labor protection shoes to every employee on time.

A seemingly simple pair of labor insurance shoes goes through more than 40 steps in the manufacturing process, involving over a dozen hands before reaching the final stage. “We produce only 40 pairs of finished shoes per day, which may seem like a small number, but each one is entirely handcrafted. The work is physically demanding and requires a lot of precision,” said one of the workers.

Given the complexity and long cycle of producing labor protection shoes, the workers in the shoemaking workshop take their responsibilities very seriously. As frontline employees increasingly expect better quality and more modern designs, the team is constantly improving their skills. From design to stitching, every step reflects their dedication, sweat, and knowledge.

Wang Jinming, the team leader of the shoemaking workshop, has spent 30 years in the industry. He knows every detail of the shoe-making process. Today, he is responsible for the first stage—cutting out the upper parts of the shoes from a 5mm thick fleece material, ensuring maximum use of each piece of leather and minimizing waste. He stands for eight hours a day, yet he never complains. “I’ve had moments of doubt, but when I think about the value of my work, I know I can’t give up.”

One of the most challenging parts of making shoes is the molding process. “You can tell who made the soles just by looking at the bottom of the shoe. A single nail can cause serious damage if not handled carefully,” explained Zhang Li, the director of the labor protection factory. “For the safety of our front-line workers, we believe every effort is worth it.”

Indeed, every pair of labor insurance shoes produced by the factory represents a commitment to protecting and supporting the workers on the front lines. These shoes are more than just equipment—they are a symbol of care, responsibility, and respect.