Trina Jordan

by Russ Anthony, SEIU Member Communicator

Trina Jordan, Chief Steward at Metro Social Services, is not going to stand still – not for a minute. Trina is a case manager in the department’s Homeless Services program. She likes her job because she can make a positive difference in the lives of people who are hurting financially due to low pay and unemployment. This need to make a difference makes her go.

“The union affords me to make a difference not only locally but nationally, “ she says with a big smile. When she says nationally she means it: She has traveled to 38 of the 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii. Four times she has been to Washington, D.C in the support of union positions. The latest was SEIU 205’s participation in the jobs rally in Washington D.C. during the first weekend in October. “’What do we want? Jobs! When do we need them? Now!’ That was our message as we marched. I love this union because there’s strength in numbers and I wanted to be part of an organization that respects employees’ views and takes an active role”. A previous trip to Washington was to speak to legislators during last year’s healthcare debate. “I was able to meet with people like Jim Cooper and let them hear personal stories that affect the needs of my customers, family and community.”

Trina’s job allows her to see how the Union can be an advocate on the behalf of employees to protect employee rights and benefits. “I feel that what I do is valuable and even though I don’t get validation from within – I do get validation from the people”. She recalled one case of a mother with small children whose husband left. The mother was facing disconnection of her utilities and could not pay the rent. A short time after meeting with Trina, the mother wrote a kind note expressing her gratitude “because I listened and let her talk,” Trina added.

Trina has traveled to Ghana, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Puerto Rico, and Canada. So, it would make sense that she would be supportive of new arrivals in the U.S. She is a member of the Tennessee Immigration and Refugee Rights Coalition. She also traveled to Washington, D.C. 15 months ago to participate in activities related to immigration reform. Her involvement with SEIU afforded her that opportunity.

Trina has been an SEIU member since 2002. In addition to Chief Steward of Metro Social Services, she is chairperson of a committee to oversee use of local 205’s meeting room and is a past member of the local 205’s election committee.  She also has two children overseas and two children in college. As a wife and grandmother of four, Trina stays on the move. She keeps going in the right direction with her commitment to worker’s rights in Nashville and beyond.