Born in Falkirk, Hutchison began working at the age of eight, later becoming an iron moulder.
An early member of the National Union of Stove Grate and General Metal Workers, he became secretary of his local branch in 1893.
He also joined the Independent Labour Party, and became a vocal advocate of women's suffrage.
[1] In 1908, Hutchison became a full-time organiser for the Stove Grate Workers, and then in 1909 was elected as the union's general secretary.
[1] Hutchison served as chair of the GFTU from 1926 to 1928, when he died suddenly.