 As such reforms to strengthen the national organization were being made in the early part of the century, however, some locals broke ranks to form a rival Union.In August 1906, members of the secessionist Union realized the futility of further rivalry and agreed to affiliate with the United Association.From 1898 to 1914, the United Association went through several phases of a struggle with the International Association of Steam and Hot Water Fitters and Helpers, a prolonged and sometimes bitter dispute both over jurisdiction over a craft (steamfitting) and work assignments (plumbers vs. steamfitters).