During World War II, he served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, returning to spinning in 1946.
He was active in the National Union of Dyers, Bleachers and Textile Workers, becoming a full-time organiser in 1953, then a Work Study Officer and, in 1970, secretary of the Manchester District.
Later that year, Jack Peel, the union's controversial leader, resigned to work for the European Economic Community, and Dyson won the election to succeed him.
[1] Dyson served on a considerable number of committees, including the Central Arbitration Committee, the council of the British Textile Confederation, the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council and the Garment and Allied Industries Requirements Board.
He retired from his union posts in 1979, moving to Berwick-upon-Tweed, but continued to serve on industrial tribunals.