[1] The federation is best known for its involvement in the nation-wide Great Strike of 1913 which almost brought New Zealand's economy to a halt.
The strike was largely in opposition to an arbitration act by government which meant that industrial disputes had to be settled in a special court.
Member unions donated to the strikers, and some others temporarily walked away from their jobs in solidarity.
Prominent leaders included Bob Semple who in 1935 became Minister of Public Works with the first Labour Government.
Many prominent leaders of the federation, and other socialist organisations, went on to form the New Zealand Labour Party in 1916.