Benjamin Pickard

Benjamin Pickard, usually Ben Pickard (26 or 28 February 1842 – 3 February 1904), was a British coal miner, trade unionist and Lib–Lab politician.

Early life Pickard was born in Kippax near Leeds in the West Riding of Yorkshire, the son of a collier. He started work as a pit boy at the age of twelve. He earned a reputation as a studious boy and attended Kippax School. He also received religious training as a Wesleyan, becoming a local preacher and was connected with the Lord's Rest Day Association throughout his life. He was associated with the trade union movement from an early age, becoming a lodge secretary at sixteen.

Early career

Trade unions In 1873, Pickard was appointed assistant secretary of the West Yorkshire Miners' Association, and in 1876, he became secretary. He was responsible for uniting the West and South Yorkshire Miners' Associations into one body in 1881 and became the first secretary of the Yorkshire Miners' Association. In 1877, he was assistant secretary of the Miners' National Union and was a leading player in the foundation of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain, of which he was elected the first president.