The Power Loom Carpet Weavers and Textile Workers Union joined the ISTC in 2000
Based in Kidderminster as the Power Loom Carpet Weavers Mutual Defence and Provident Association, this union defended workers rights for 134 years.
Established in 1866, the PLCWTWU represented the workers in the carpet industry in Kidderminster until joining the ISTC in 2000.
Starting with 508 members in 1866, the PLCWTWU stood strong through the growth and decline of Britain's manufacturing sector.
Membership climbed in the late 19th century to a peak of 1,410 before hard times in the pre-war years.
Membership jumped by 280% in 1917 as the Union opened its doors to the Textile industry and a large number of female workers joined. Thiswas to be a constant of the union from that point onwards.
This growth in membership required a full-time General Secretary, appointed in 1919.
Membership grew to 5,000 before World War II turned Britain's resources away from consumer goods to the liberation of Europe.
Post war saw a gradual growth of membership to a peak of 6,545 in 1975. From then there was a gradual decline in membership as successive conservative governments sought to destroy the manufacturing base of Britain until the PLCWTWU merged with the ISTC in 2000.