By the end of 1923, it had 52,876 members, and this rose rapidly, reaching 65,496 three years later.
[1] However, it was hit heavily by job losses during the Great Depression and disputes between different sections of workers, the small Pattern Weavers' Society splitting away in 1930.
[1] Ben Turner, who had been involved with the union and its predecessor for many years, resigned as General President, and it was agreed that future presidents would not work on a full-time salaried basis.
[3] For many years, the union was a member of the Federation of Unions in the Bleaching, Dyeing, Finishing, and Calico Printing Trades, working with the Amalgamated Society of Dyers, Bleachers and Kindred Trades, and the Operative Bleachers, Dyers and Finishers Association.
The federation increasingly took the lead on negotiations with employers on pay and conditions.