Analytical review of the statute of the trade union ""Society of messengers and office employees in lviv (1894)

The article presents an in-depth historical and source-based analysis of the Sta­tute of the “Society of Messengers and Office Employees in Lviv” (1894), a unique document that reflects the early development of the trade union movement in Galicia. The study situates this statute within the broader socio-economic and cultural context of late 19th-century Lviv, highlighting its significance as a model of a socially oriented corporate organization that combined religious and humanitarian values with practical mechanisms of mutual aid and self-governance.

The author examines the structural components and legal provisions of the Statute, focusing on the organization’s objectives, membership rules, rights and duties of its members, financial regulations, and management system. Special attention is given to the social function of the Society, particularly its commitment to providing support in the event of a member’s death and ensuring proper burial according to Christian traditions. This humanitarian mission, embedded in the document, underscores the moral and ethical foundations of mutual assistance and communal solidarity.

The article also explores the financial and administrative mechanisms of the Society, which reveal a high level of legal culture and economic discipline. The requirement to invest collective funds in secure state securities and savings banks illustrates prudent financial management and foresight. The statute’s democratic procedures—such as the election of the governing board and decision-making through general assemblies—de­monstrate the emergence of civic participation and collective responsibility among urban employees.

The study emphasizes that the Society’s inclusive membership policy, which admitted Christian residents of Lviv regardless of nationality or occupation, reflected both the multicultural character of the city and the shared moral framework of its inhabitants. At the same time, the Society maintained rigorous admission rules, such as age limits and medical certification, aimed at ensuring financial stability. These measures reveal the rational and preventive nature of the organization’s internal governance.

The analysis of the management structure shows that the Society functioned through elected bodies—the General Assembly and the Board of Management—which over­saw finances, organized funerals, and ensured adherence to internal regulations. The detailed description of responsibilities among officials (chairperson, deputies, administrator, controller, secretary) illustrates a well-structured and transparent system of self-administration comparable to modern corporate governance practices.

Importantly, the statute’s final provisions concerning the liquidation of the Society and the establishment of a charitable fund for widows and orphans of deceased mem­bers highlight its enduring social mission. Even in dissolution, the organization sought to contribute to the public good, reflecting the deep sense of civic duty and moral responsibility characteristic of Lviv’s educated working class at the time.

The research concludes that the Statute of the “Society of Messengers and Office Employees in Lviv” represents an early form of professional association that blended Christian ethics, social solidarity, and legal consciousness. It stands as a testament to the rise of modern forms of civic self-organization in Galicia and provides valuable insight into the evolution of trade union traditions in Ukrainian and Central European contexts. The document demonstrates how legal frameworks and communal values intertwined to foster the development of responsible citizenship and democratic participation in the late 19th century.

Keywords: trade union movement, professional association, Galicia, Lviv, mutual aid society, statute, social solidarity, Christian values, self-governance.

doi: 10.32403/0554-4866-2025-2-90-305-316