Berest I. Trade union movement in Eastern Galicia in 1817–1918.

For the first time at the theoretical level in the national historical science systematically and conceptually studied the essence of professional organizations, as well as their social role, peculiarities of functioning and development in the conditions of the existence of a polyethnic society, the distinctive features and specific features of the internal activity are singled out, new scientifically grounded results are obtained.Based on the analysis of the preconditions for the emergence and development of trade unions and the trade union movement, it can be argued that from the time of its occurrence, the trade unions became an integral part of the social structure and public factor of influence on market relations and in the process of development of society were perfected as public institutions. They evolved and changed along with the gradual development of society.In general, in the process of evolution, trade unions moved from small semi-closed associations of corporate type to open, numerical, voluntary organizations, which gradually expanded their role, mission and significance in society. In the process of development, they moved from protecting the interests of hired workers directly at the workplace (wage increases, improvement of working conditions, limitation of the duration of the working day, etc.) to a wider range of activities (participation in production management, the establishment of a system of vocational education, leisure, health, treatment, rest, etc.).