The union was founded in 1894 as the Operative Stonecutters of Ireland.
In 1918, it affiliated to the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union, but it became independent again in 1925.
In 1933, it joined the Irish Trades Union Congress.
In 1942, it was a founding affiliate of the Building Workers' Trade Union, but it disaffiliated in 1962.
[1] The union's most prominent leader was Thomas Farren, who served as general secretary from 1912 to 1918.