This paper analyzes the impact and activity of trade unions at the national and international level. Despite the important role they have had throughout history, unions are now faced with a negative momentum of trade unionism, especially among the young workforce. The aim of this paper is to bring out a positive image of trade unions as organizations that have promoted the lives of most workers, also emphasising their importance in people's lives now that they are still important to people's lives. In the first part of the paper, there is a historical overview of trade unions and trade union rights and freedoms. Furthermore, their organizational structure has been explained, and the important role of a trade union leader is emphasized as a man who can, if he possesses desirable traits, revive trade unions and increase their number. Unions are also faced with globalization, which has led them to spread the boundaries of their actions ou-tside the national frameworks, but also to their instability. That is why they are in a continuous process of learning and adapting to the new phenomena that come to them to fulfill their main and most important purpose - to protect workers.