Initially a pioneer of trade unionism he was regarded in later life as a moderate voice believing that disputes should be solved through conciliation rather than industrial action .
Trade unionism fought to enshrine the principle of workers ' representation against the opposition of the coal - owners .
Initially a pioneer of trade unionism , who fought to enshrine the principle of workers ' representation against the opposition of the coal - owners , he was regarded in later life as a moderate voice believing that disputes should be solved through conciliation rather than industrial action .