How are labor unions today different from ones in the early 1800s?

Labor unions today differ significantly from those in the early 1800s in their structure, goals, and legal standing. Early unions were often informal and focused primarily on immediate issues like wages and working conditions, while modern unions are more structured, with established legal protections and collective bargaining rights. Today's unions also tend to address broader social and political issues, advocating for workers' rights on a larger scale, including equity and inclusion. Additionally, the workforce has evolved, leading to unions that represent diverse industries and professions compared to the more homogeneous groups of the 19th century.