Gordon Gross

Metro Public Health Department

Gordon Gross might look like a mild-mannered office support representative at the Metro Public Health Department, but looks can be deceiving.

Gordon, an SEIU member since he started working for Metro in 1993, comes from a proud—some would say legendary-union family. Gordon’s uncle was James Matles, who helped create the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (or as it is commonly known, "UE"), which was organized in the 1930s by workers in major plants of General Electric, RCA, and Westinghouse. Matles formed the UE because of racial discrimination in the International Association of Machinists and is best known for writing a book called Them and Us, which is required reading in the labor movement.

Gordon is proud of the union tradition in his family and it is one of the reasons he decided to join SEIU. “I partly joined because of my family background,” Gordon admits. “But I also joined the union because it’s only right to support the organization that supports me. I don’t want to be a freeloader”. Gordon also sees the value in strength of numbers. “One person can’t fight privatization or elect a labor-friendly candidate to office. But an organization with political clout like SEIU can”.

Gordon has put his words into action. He’s signed co-workers up for the union, he’s attended meetings, and he helped Local 205 in its opposition to the Music City Center. Gordon’s committed to helping the public— he received the “Health Hero” award in 2009 for helping with H1N1 immunizations across Davidson County.

Gordon’s also an accomplished songwriter and musician. “I actually make a little money from time to time,” he says. Gordon’s song “I’m Still Here” is a tribute to working people and a crowd favorite (you can give it a listen at his website, www.gordonellismusic.com).

Whether it’s through music or through his political activism, Gordon Gross remains committed to continuing his family’s legacy of social justice for all working men and women.