Czechoslovak Trade Union Association founded in Prague

Background. The founding of the OSČ reflected a specific political and organizational desire among Czech trade unionists to build a movement separate from the Viennese Imperial Trade Union Commission. This separation culminated from two years of complaints that the Vienna Commission was neglecting the Czech labour movement, leading to the establishment of an autonomous Czech trade union center.

Founding Congress. The founding congress took place in Prague on 31 January 1897. It was attended by 108 delegates representing 90 trade union organizations. The meeting occurred in the metalworkers' assembly hall in Karlín, marking the formal establishment of the organization as a national center for Czech trade unions.

Context and Conflict. The OSČ demanded autonomy for the ethnic Czech trade union movement. This stance created tension with the Vienna Commission, which argued that Czech autonomism was a minority standpoint within the broader labour movement. Despite these conflicts, the OSČ became more vocal in its demands for independence.