The most important unions represented were the Amalgamated Society of Operative Lace Makers and Auxiliary Workers and the Rotary Framework Knitters.
Initially, this consisted of a committee with four representatives from each council, but the secretaries of the local branches of the ASE and ASC&J were soon added, and the council began practical solidarity work, supporting a local bricklayers' strike, and then organising a demonstration to encourage lace makers in Long Eaton to unionise.
Other actions were unsuccessful, including lobbying against mistreatment of checkweighmen who were active trade unionists, and against Nottingham Town Council awarding building contracts to companies based outside the city.
[1] The council began supporting political candidates, the first being John Skerritt, who stood in Wollaton without the backing of the Liberal Party.
[1] During the 1890s, the council spent much time supporting member unions who were involved in disputes, and also raised money for trade unionists who were unable to work.
In 1897, it persuaded the town council to place contracts with suppliers which paid agreed trade union rates.
[1] Later, the council became known for the Communist Party of Great Britain members among its leadership, with Ernie Cant important around 1930,[3] and Jack Charlesworth becoming the secretary in 1950.