The union was founded in 1887. By the end of the year, it already had 2,181 members, and had appointed Benjamin Dean as its full-time agent and secretary. It also affiliated to the Midland Counties Miners' Federation.[2]
Membership of the union was fairly constant for many years, but by 1907 had increased to 6,120. It fell to 3,713 in 1911, but was back over 5,000 by 1925.[1][2]