He was elected shop steward at age 15, and chairman of his branch committee at age 21. In 1937 he joined the staff of the Trades Union Congress. He became Assistant Secretary (1947–60), Assistant General Secretary (1960–69), and General Secretary (1969–73).
At age 15, he was elected shop steward; at age 21, he became chairman of his branch committee. In 1937, he joined the staff of the Trades Union Congress. He served as Assistant Secretary from 1947 to 1960, Assistant General Secretary from 1960 to 1969, and General Secretary from 1969 to 1973.