Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners

The Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners was a British labor organization formed in 1860. It was a prominent example of craft unionism, where unions organized skilled workers within a specific trade. These unions aimed to regulate working conditions and restrict entry into their respective trades.1

The Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, along with the Amalgamated Society of Engineers (formed in 1851), were key national craft unions in Britain during the mid-19th century. They were known for their stable, professionally administered organizations, contrasting with earlier, less formal unions. These organizations contributed to the broader movement of organized labor, influencing legislative changes and setting a pattern for future trade unions.21