In 1865, cabinet makers in London went on strike and won a 10% increase in wages.
This success inspired them to form the "Alliance Cabinet Makers' Association".
However, the union accepted all workers in the trade into membership, and was able to make high payments to members in need.
In 1875, the London Trades Council encouraged the association to test the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1871's provisions on picketing; five members of the union including London secretary Harry Ham were imprisoned, but they were soon released, and the law was changed shortly after.
The following year, it merged with the United Operative Cabinet and Chairmakers Society of Scotland to form the National Amalgamated Furnishing Trades Association.