Origins of GMB

GMB has its origins in the Gas Workers and General Union, formed in 1889 by Will Thorne to end excessive shifts and campaign for an 8-hour day and six-day week.

Over the years, GMB grew through mergers with unions including the National Amalgamated Union of Labour, the Municipal Employees Association and the National Federation of Women Workers, forming the National Union of General and Municipal Workers in 1924.

Further mergers created the General, Municipal, Boilermakers and Allied Trade Union in 1982, with later unions such as NUTGW and FTAT also joining, forming the modern GMB - Britain's General Union.