Odbory

Odbory is the term used in Czech and Slovak contexts to denote trade unions, organizations that represent workers and defend their interests in the workplace and in society. Odbory operate at local, sectoral, and national levels, and membership is typically voluntary. They are funded by member dues and provide services such as legal advice, education, and representation in disputes.

Core activities of odbory include negotiating wages, working hours, safety standards, and other terms of employment through collective bargaining agreements. They advocate for workers’ rights, participate in dispute resolution with employers, and may offer legal assistance for members in labor disputes. Odbory also engage in social dialogue with employers’ associations and government bodies within tripartite forums, contributing to policy discussions on labor markets and industrial relations.

Historically, union activity in Central Europe developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and underwent significant changes during the 20th century, including periods of state control and later reorganization after the fall of communism. Since then, odbory have focused on democratic governance within unions, civil rights, and adaptation to modern labor markets. Membership trends vary by country and sector, with continuing importance in public services, manufacturing, and other traditional industries, alongside challenges such as globalization and changes in employment patterns.

In the Czech Republic, the Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (ČMKOS) serves as the main national federation. In Slovakia, major unions are organized under national confederations that coordinate sectoral unions and national-level negotiations.

See also: trade union, collective bargaining, labor rights, tripartite.