National Federation of Miners

This attracted eleven unions from seven regions of France, with representatives including Émile Basly from Pas-de-Calais and Jean-Baptiste Calvignac from Carmaux.

In 1921, part of the union joined the United General Confederation of Labor split from the CGT, reuniting in 1936.

[2] During World War II, many miners participated in the French resistance and there were numerous strikes, but the union's leadership, including Pierre Vigne, collaborated with the Vichy regime.

After the war, all mines were nationalised, and the federation became increasingly important, with membership reaching 300,000.

[3] However, a minority, supporting the Workers' Force split from the CGT, left in 1948 to found the rival Miners' Federation.