A National Association of Coopers, bringing together local unions, existed from 1854 until 1868, when a lengthy strike led it to collapse.
Most of the local union survived, and by 1878 there was a desire to again form a national organisation.
That year, thirteen unions formed the Mutual Association of Journeymen Coopers, which attempted to co-ordinate activity, but permitted each affiliate to control its own money and retain a high level of autonomy.
In 1926, the Amalgamated Society, the National Association and three smaller unions formed the Coopers' Federation of Great Britain.
The Amalgamated Society remained in existence as an affiliate, but declined in importance.