Abstrakt
This chapter has described two basic stories that are central to the current state of the Czech trade union movement. The successful campaign by the miners' trade unions which ensured the provision of early retirement on a full old-age pension for their members is an example of union effectiveness in straightened times.
Officials from the miners' unions were able to persuade the government that miners tended to live shorter lives as a result of their dangerous (but essential) work and the legislator established a special pension scheme for these workers.