Patrick joined the staff of the Lodge School in September 1962 and under the influence of teachers like Sir. Alexander Hoyos and David Poe, both of whom had held office in the then Association of Assistant Teachers in Secondary Schools (AATSS), he became a member of this organisation. A short while later he was invited to serve on the Executive as a Staff Representative for the Lodge School. And so began his long tenure and unflinching dedication to the trade union movement.

In 1968 fate would have it when the then Secretary of the Association resigned his post from the Lodge School and from the Association. Patrick was elevated to this position, a move that sealed his fate. In his own words, he found himself 'inheriting the three cardboard boxes which contained all the Union's files and the few cockroaches that went with them'. This position was ratified later in that year when he was formally elected in the capacity as Secretary, an office he held up to 1970.

Between 1970-1978 studies, family commitments and other school related duties forced Patrick not to seek re-election. However, he continued to serve in the capacity of Staff Representative and as a member of the Union's negotiating committee. During this intervening period he was responsible for drafting the new constitution of the Union when it was changed to the BSTU in 1970.This budding unionist could not resist the call to serve for by 1979 he was re-elected as General Secretary of BSTU.

Patrick's worth and selfless labour in the trade union movement became a constant. He was at the forefront in negotiating many issues with Government. Such significant issues include

In 1995 Patrick was elected as the first General Secretary of CTUSAB and served in that capacity until 2000 when he was elected as the First Vice President. As an officer of this organisation he was involved in the drafting of the various Protocols, particularly Protocol 3, 4 and 5. Up to this day he has served on the Subcommittee of the Social Partners since its inception in 1995.

Patrick is the consummate professional trade unionist. Professional, not because he was paid to do it, but because he served selflessly and approached the tasks of working for his constituents with humility, dedication and of course, much satisfaction. His invaluable contribution and commitment was recognised at his award of the Silver Crown of Merit in The Independence Honours of 1998.