International Secretary-Treasurer Joseph C. Gordon is a veteran TWU officer who has been dedicated to the union for nearly 35 years and has served in numerous leadership positions in that time. Since assuming the role of Secretary-Treasurer two years ago Gordon has focused on maintaining accountability, managing union finances responsibly and in a prudent manner and with assisting locals with the many challenges and difficulties they encounter on a day-to-day basis.

“I know that members work hard to earn their dues money,” says Gordon. “I am committed to protecting that money and ensuring that it is allocated appropriately in ways that support all of our locals in the ways that they need it most.”

In addition to his normal duties as Secretary-Treasurer, Gordon is committed to providing training, tools and assistance for local officers. He aims to make their experiences and the jobs they are responsible for as effective as possible.

Before joining TWU, Gordon got his first taste of unionism as a student at Texas Southern University in Houston while he was working part time for National Car Rental. He saw the company taking advantage of the customer service agents there so he helped organize them for the Teamsters Union. Gordon graduated from Texas Southern with a B.A. in political science.

Gordon understands what support means to a local officer and to the members they represent. He began his career with the TWU as a Fleet Service Clerk in 1973 and has since gained leadership experience in different areas within his original Local 513, the Air Transport Division and the International.

After so many years in his various positions Gordon is honored to be in the position to protect and manage TWU finances and is focused on building a strong future for the organization. “My vision is to make sure we provide the best support possible in terms of resources, training and education to our Local leadership at all levels,” he says. “I want to ensure that the next generation of leaders for the International Union that follow me are well equipped and prepared for future challenges, and can provide our membership with quality leadership that is second to none.”

Background

1973- First became a TWU member when he started as a Fleet Service Clerk

1976-Elected to office as TWU Station Chairman in Houston, Texas

1985-1988: Served as elected Vice President of Local 513 at Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW)

1993-1998: Served as elected President of Local 513

2002- Became International Representative for ATD

March 2007 – President James C. Little appointed Gordon to Acting Director of ATD

June 2007 – Became Director of ATD

September 2007 –Named International Secretary Treasurer in September of 2007 to serve out the unexpired term of retiring S.T. John J. Kerrigan.

2009-Elected International Secretary Treasurer

Gordon serves on the TWU-American Airlines Fleet Service System Board of Adjustment as the Union Board Member, and on the TWU-American Airlines Part Time Utilization Panel.