Irish immigrant John Siney. One of many founders of Workingmen's Benevolent Association
In 1868 an Irish immigrant named John Siney helped create Workingmen’s Benevolent Association in England to better the pay and working conditions in coal mines. Coal mining immigrants felt that their pay was too little and not fair. They also felt that the conditions were horrendous, causing the men to have to endure harsh accidents, floods, and fires.