The union originated in 1863 in Dublin as the Grocers' Assistants' Association.
The union merged into the British National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants, but many of its former members wished to retain an independent Irish organisation, and split away in 1917, reforming under the old name.
[1] Under the presidency of Patrick Moran,[2] the union gained a reputation for militancy, gaining recognition following a lock-out in 1918, and striking for ten weeks over pay in 1920.
[1] Over time, the union became strongly associated with bar staff.
Although the majority of its members were based in Ireland, it also had branches in London, which attracted membership from workers at Irish pubs in the city.