Career
Tierney joined one of the forerunners of USDAW in 1938 whilst working as a milkman in Rotherham. In 1953 he was appointed a collector/canvasser based in Sheffield, 4 years later becoming an area organiser for the Midlands division, based in Leicester. In 1977 he was elected USDAW President and after losing his parliamentary seat returned to work as a national officer for USDAW with responsibilities for SATA membership and the insurance section.
He also served as a councillor and Labour Nippon Electric Corporation member and chaired the party for a year.