Ebbw Vale and Sirhowy Colliery Workmen's Association

In 1888, there was a dispute over the employment of contractors, and the rates paid for slag, in the course of which Richards was sacked.

Richards retained the overwhelming support of the workers, and in 1889, he was appointed as the full-time agent for the union.

That year, the union affiliated to the new Monmouthshire and South Wales Miners' Association, but retained a high level of independence.

It took part in the Welsh coal strike of 1898, but the action was defeated, and it became the Ebbw Vale District of the new South Wales Miners' Federation (SWMF).

Richards became the general secretary of the SWMF, and so William Vyce was appointed as a new agent.