 Workers at forty different collieries were present, and most had already formed lodges in preparation for the creation of the union.By January 1872, the union had 400 members, and it was able to make an agreement with mine owners, raising wages, while cutting shifts from twelve hours to eight.The union was central to the formation of the National Federation of Colliery Enginemen and Boiler Firemen, and through this was at times affiliated to the Miners' Federation of Great Britain.