Trade unions first began to emerge in this country in the mid-19th century with the development of industry. At this time, workers formed them as a platform for bargaining with their employers. The slogan was that there was strength in numbers. The main mission of trade unions has not changed much since then. What has changed, however, is their composition. In this article, we will therefore look at the specific trade unions operating in the Czech Republic that are of most interest to you.
Trade unions are organisations that are supposed to represent and protect the interests of workers in various non-industrial sectors, industries or professions. The main purpose of unions is to negotiate with employers on working conditions, wages, workplace safety and other work-related issues. Their main objective is to ensure fair and safe working conditions for their members through collective bargaining and other forms of representation.
Some unions also conduct research on the labour market, economic trends and social issues in order to better understand the situation of workers and to represent their interests more effectively. Finally, they often offer their members legal advice, support in resolving labour conflicts and information on workers’ rights and obligations.
Hint: We have discussed in detail what unions are and what they are for in our next article.
Now let’s take a look at the specific trade unions operating in the Czech Republic that interest you the most.
Czech school unions are represented by the Czech-Moravian Trade Union of Education Workers. It mainly brings together education employees, pensioners and the unemployed who have worked in the education sector. Among their main points of mission are defending the rights of members and advocating their demands to state authorities and employers. They also aim to improve the working and living conditions of their members, to provide legal assistance and advice, and to monitor occupational health and safety.
School unions are among the most active in the country. We can thus associate them with a number of strikes they have organised in the past. The strike of 27 November last year is a case in point. It lasted for a whole day and concerned secondary, primary and nursery schools. Its aim was to increase the budget in the Czech education system and to increase the salaries of non-teaching staff, such as janitors, cleaners and cooks in school canteens.
Tip: You can read what a strike is and what it is actually for in our article.
The Healthcare Trade Union is represented by the Health and Social Work Union of the Czech Republic. It brings together people who work in health and social services and students and staff of schools focusing on the education of health and social workers. Their main activities include protecting the rights of union members and fair pay. This is done through collective bargaining leading to collective agreements.
Health unions have long been working to improve working conditions for health workers and to increase salaries. In recent years, health unions have repeatedly engaged in protests against excessive overtime in the health sector. In addition, the union offers its members counselling, bargaining assistance, education, entertainment, sports and culture. It also includes a provident fund to help union members in the event of difficult life situations.
Health unions are also among the most active in the Czech Republic and regularly advocate for pay increases and improved working conditions for their members. For example, they are currently actively working on increasing overtime in the health care sector. Last year, health unions successfully negotiated a pay rise for doctors. Membership in health unions provides not only legal protection but also the opportunity for training and other benefits.
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Police unions defend the rights of Police officers and actively seek to increase their pay.
The police unions are mainly represented by the Independent Trade Union of the Police of the Czech Republic. It is intended for members or employees of the security forces, police school or police academy, as well as employees of the Ministry of the Interior and Justice. Police unions have been involved in negotiations to amend the Service Act to ensure better working conditions for their members.
The Department provides legal representation in the field of service and employment relations as well as private legal advice. It also provides indemnity insurance, life insurance, travel insurance and social assistance for its members. In addition, it offers other complementary services and activities. Membership in police unions allows police officers greater access to legal protection and other benefits.
The current agenda is primarily focused on strengthening the security force, increasing the Police budget along with funds for food allowances and increasing the income of officers by at least 10%.
Tip: How do you distinguish between an officer and a police officer and what are their powers? Find out in the next article.
The Shopworkers’ Union protects workers in retail chains and logistics centres. The trade workers are mainly organised by the UZO, or the Union of Trade, Logistics and Service Employees. The trade workers’ union’s activities consist of collective bargaining with the Confederation of Trade and Tourism of the Czech Republic and individual employers to ensure adequate working and wage conditions for its members. They also provide education, counselling, legal assistance and representation in court.
The trade union has long advocated for the introduction of days off for employees during public holidays, which is common abroad, but in our country shop employees often have to work despite public holidays.
Tip: Read about the advantages and disadvantages of shift work.
Business unions focus on protecting tradespeople and small businesses from excessive bureaucracy and tax burdens.
Business unions, or UIBs , bring together all kinds of entrepreneurs to defend attacks on business freedom, prevent the expansion of bureaucracy, increase the obligations of entrepreneurs and limit their rights. In summary, their aim is therefore primarily to prevent state interference in free enterprise.
For example, business trade unions spoke out against restrictions on business activity during the covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, business trade unions participated in discussions on changes to the tax system and the abolition of compulsory electronic sales registration. Business unions also frequently work with legislative bodies on pro-business bills.
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Mining unions protect the rights of workers in the mining industry and regularly negotiate collective agreements.
The association of miners’ unions consists of a total of 9 constituent organisations. The main activities include negotiating collective agreements, legal advice for members and monitoring workplace safety. The association is also a member of the broader Mining, Geology and Petroleum Workers’ Union.
The union played a particularly important role during the period of mine and power plant closures, negotiating smooth layoffs and government compensation for its members. In recent years, the miners’ union has been involved in workplace safety issues and the reduction of occupational hazards in mines. Miners’ unions have been involved in negotiations on the restructuring of the mining industry and the future of coal mines.
The miners’ unions also provide legal advice to their members and help resolve labour disputes.
Being a member of a workers’ union can have a number of advantages and disadvantages, depending on your particular situation and work sector. In general, however, the advantages and disadvantages include the following:
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