In 1863, lasting lodges were formed in Bilston and Willenhall, and this soon led to the foundation of the West Bromwich Miners' Association.
His participation led to victimisation, and after he took a leading role in a strike, in 1874, he was unable to find employment in the mines, instead running a small shop and working as an insurance agent.
[1] Rust supported the Liberal Party, and campaigned heavily for Benjamin Hingley, who won the North Worcestershire seat at the 1885 general election.
In response, Rust increased his involved, becoming vice-chair of the local wages board in 1889, and in 1890 becoming the union's agent and secretary.
By this time, Rust had become convinced that a sliding scale was needed, where miners' wages automatically rose and fell with the price of coal.