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The main difference between a medieval guild and a trade union is the way in which production is organized. Guilds were made up of independent producers who joined together to keep out outsiders and to regulate themselves and maintain standards. M. This was done by demanding that members pass through a lengthy apprenticeship. This would make it difficult to enter a profession and and so maintain high wages.

The modern trade union grew up under conditions of employment. They do not concern themselves with training or standards within an occupation- their only focus is on negotiating with employers.

It would have been impossible for a medieval guild to negotiate with employers on a collective basis for two reasons. Firstly, there were few large employers to negotiate with. Secondly, guilds were organizations of employers. Once an apprentice gains membership he becomes an employer of apprentices himself and therefore sits on the other side of the table.

Guilds can more easily be understood as trade associations rather than trade unions. Guilds of this sort still exist in the UK such as the Guild of Master Craftsmen.

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