Odborové

Odborové is a term used in Czech and Slovak to describe matters related to labor unions. It functions as both an adjective and a noun. The root odbor can refer to a branch or sector as well as to a trade union; consequently, odborové commonly appears in expressions such as odborové svazy (trade unions) or in phrases describing union activity.

In practice, the word appears in headlines, official documents, and everyday speech to refer to the labor movement, collective bargaining, strikes, and workers' rights. It does not denote a single organization but a family of unions and related bodies across sectors and regions. The term is used to discuss union-related affairs in both countries without implying a specific group.

Historically, Czechia and Slovakia developed trade unions during the 19th and 20th centuries. During the communist period, unions were integrated into state structures, while after 1989 they redefined their roles and organizational forms. Today, odborové organizations participate in negotiations over wages, working conditions, and social protections, with influence and structure that vary by country, sector, and era.