What world historical developments led to the formation of trade unions?

The major impetus for trade unions in the western world was the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s, which created the working class. Society changed from being mainly rural to industrial with many people living in towns and cities. More people lived and worked in poor conditions, fuelling the development of trade unions.

Some unions had formed in Canada prior to the time of the Industrial Revolution, most notably in industries requiring a skilled craft, for example, shoemaking or printing. They had also formed in industries where there were large groups of workers, for example, the shipping industry. Generally, these early unions provided assistance in times of unemployment, illness, or death.

When more workers began to work in factories and larger centres, however, unions began to become active for the purpose of representing workers’ rights across a much wider spectrum.

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