In 1919 the NUR and ASLEF jointly organised the 1919 United Kingdom railway strike, which prevented a proposed wage reduction and won an eight-hour maximum working day.

[5] Following the formation of British Rail, the majority of NUR members worked for the nationalised organisation.

However, other members worked for London Transport, the National Freight Corporation and various smaller companies.

It also recruited British Rail workers in associated industries, such as its hotels, docks and harbours, and on the Sealink ferries.

The union sponsored numerous Labour Party Parliamentary candidates, many of whom won election.