The Society of Friendly Boilermakers was formed in 1834. In 1845 it changed its name to the United Friendly Boilermakers' Society. In 1852 it merged with two other unions to become the United Society of Boilermakers and Iron and Steel Shipbuilders. In 1952 it changed its name to the United Society of Boilermakers, Shipbuilders and Structural Workers. In 1963 the union amalgamated with the Associated Blacksmiths, Forge and Smithy Workers' Society and Ship Constructors' and Shipwrights' Association to become the Amalgamated Society of Boilermakers, Blacksmiths, Shipbuilders and Structural Workers. It amalgamated with the General and Municipal Workers` Union in 1982 to become the General, Municipal, Boilermakers and Allied Trades Union, which later became the GMB.
From the guide to the Amalgamated Society of Boilermakers, Shipwrights, Blacksmiths and Structural Workers, 1839-2000, (Working Class Movement Library)
