Humanity has reached a stage of development in which human labour is rapidly being replaced by machines. Nevertheless, the need remains for human labour with respect both to the manufacture of goods and the provision of services. Labour costs continue to determine what will be produced and where. Such costs influence the competitiveness of products, services and even individual states with concern to international trade. Machines will, undoubtedly, eventually replace human labour; however, until that happens it will be necessary to closely monitor labour costs. This paper presents the results of the competitiveness of the labour production factor in EU countries for the period 2010 to 2015. The results were compiled according to Research Institute for Labour and Social Affairs methodology as approved by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic; thus, particular emphasis will be accorded to the position of the Czech Republic. Although the European Union is a partnership of individual states, at the same time these countries continue to be economic rivals, i.e. competitors.
