It represented stationary engine drivers and cranemen in a wide variety of industries, as well as less skilled workers in the electrical industry and miscellaneous workers.
[1] The union was founded in 1895 as the National Amalgamated Union of Enginemen, Cranemen, Hammer Drivers and Boiler Firemen of Great Britain, before changing its name to the National Amalgamated Enginemen, Cranemen, Hammer, Steam and Electric Tram Drivers and Boiler Firemen in 1901.
[3] The union was the largest of its day catering for stationary engine drivers and cranemen, but it long faced competition for members from two older unions: the Amalgamated Protective Union of Engine Drivers, Crane Drivers, Hydraulic and Boiler Attendants, based in London, and the Amalgamated Society of Enginemen, Cranemen, Boilermen and Firemen, based in North East England.
[4] It remained a distinct section of the TGWU for many years, its general secretary also serving as national secretary of the TGWU Power Group.
[5] In 1945, its members who worked in collieries transferred to the new Power Group of the National Union of Mineworkers.