General Railway Workers' Union

Following the London Dock strike of 1889, a group of low-paid railway workers were inspired to join a trade union.

In contrast to most unions of the day, it did not offer any welfare benefits, and focused solely on winning improved pay and conditions for its members.

Disappointed by this failure, the general secretary, Andrew Clark, resigned, along with some of the other full-time staff.

[3] Thomas Lowth was elected as Clark's replacement,[4] but membership did not increase until the middle of the 1900s, bringing the union close to collapse.

That year, it merged with the ASRS and the United Pointsmen and Signalmen's Society to form the National Union of Railwaymen.