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