He joined the National Federation of Miners (FNTSS), an affiliate of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) in 1921, then the following year, was part of the split which formed the National Federation of United Miners, an affiliate of the United General Confederation of Labour (CGTU).
[1][2] Duguet joined the French Communist Party (PCF) in 1928, and the following year, became the leader of the CGTU miners' union in the Gard.
In 1935, he was elected as general secretary of the National Federation of United Miners, and negotiated a merger with the FNTSS.
This was completed in December, and Duguet became the deputy leader of the merged FNTSS, leading major strikes in 1936 and 1938.
[1][2] In 1955, Duguet stood down from the FNTSS, to become general secretary of the Trade Union International of Miners.