The rise of labor unions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was associated with both social continuities and change.
Continuities:
Labor unions were formed in response to the exploitative working conditions and low wages that were common in the industrial economy of the time. These issues had long been present in the lives of working people, and the formation of unions was a continuation of past efforts to improve working conditions.
Labor unions were mostly formed by skilled workers such as carpenters, machinists, and printers, which were groups that were already organized and had a sense of solidarity. This continuity of organizing around skilled labor is a continuity as it had already been a characteristic of labor movement.
Changes:
Labor unions brought about changes in the balance of power between workers and employers. Prior to the rise of unions, employers held all the power and could dictate wages, hours, and working conditions. The formation of unions allowed workers to collectively negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Unions also brought about the formation of new social groups, such as the working class, which had not existed in the same way before. This is a change as it created a new social class that had not existed before.
Labor unions also played a role in the broader political and social changes of the time, such as the rise of progressive politics and the push for workers' rights. This is a change as it brought about political and social changes that were not present before.
In summary, the rise of labor unions was associated with continuities in the exploitation of workers and organizing around skilled labor, but also brought about changes in the balance of power between workers and employers, the formation of new social groups, and political and social changes.