He subsequently worked as a union organiser after being refused employment due to his union activities , rising to become secretary of the Queensland Labourers ' Union .
While shearing in Queensland , Ryan became involved in the nascent trade union movement , initially as shed representative .
Ryan subsequently worked as a union organiser after being refused employment due to Ryan 's union activities , rising to become secretary of the Queensland Labourers ' Union .
While shearing in Queensland , Ryan became involved in the nascent trade union movement , initially as shed representative .