Batchelor soon became active in the labour movement and joined the Amalgamated Society of Engineers (Adelaide) in 1882 and was its president four times between 1889 and 1898.
Batchelor wurde bald in der Labour-Bewegung aktiv und trat in die Amalgamated Society of Engineers (Adelaide) im Jahr 1882 ein, deren Präsident er von 1889 bis 1898 viermal war.