patronale

Patronale is a term used in several Romance languages to refer to matters connected with patrons, particularly employers, or to organizations representing them. The precise usage varies by language, but the core sense relates to the employer side in labor relations or to groups aligned with employers.

In Romanian, patronal is an adjective meaning “employer-related.” The plural form patronale appears in phrases such as organizatii patronale, meaning employers’ associations. These bodies participate in social dialogue with labor unions and the state, advocate for business interests, and contribute to discussions on policy, regulation, and collective bargaining frameworks.

In Spanish, patronal functions as both noun and adjective. As a noun, la patronal denotes the employers’ federation or associations; as an adjective, patronal describes things related to the employer or the employer sector. The plural patronales is used in various contexts, for example to refer to patronal festivals (fiestas patronales) or to denote employers’ groups and sectors (sectores patronales).

Etymology and related terms: patronale derives from Latin patronalis, from patronus (patron). Cognates appear in other Romance languages, such as French patronal, and convey a similar relation to patrons or employers.

See also: employers’ associations, labor relations, patron saint (in the sense of fiestas patronales in Spanish).