Final answer:
Trade unions apply for statutory recognition to the designated authority or legal body in their respective country or region.
Step-by-step explanation:
Trade unions apply to the designated authority or legal body in a specific country or region for statutory recognition. The procedures for forming a union differ from country to country. For example, in the United States, workers announce their intention to form a union and set an election date for a secret ballot. In Canada, a union is formed when a sufficient proportion of workers sign an official card indicating their support. In the United Kingdom, trade unions played a significant role in the formation and recognition process, with the Trades Union Congress representing the interests of skilled workers.