 Initially Parry was apprehensive to go on strike at Waihi, however he found himself compelled into taking a more militant position by members of his union that were supportive of the Industrial Workers of the World.Also in 1911 Parry conducted a tour of the country forming anti-militarist leagues throughout New Zealand.Parry was one of the founders of the New Zealand Federation of Labour (FOL) and was vice president from 1911 to 1913.