It is with great sadness and heavy hearts, that we report the death of a decade’s long family member. Gordon Gregory passed away on December 9, 2022. He faithfully served the Union and its members, as our General Counsel, from 1968, until his retirement in 2021.
During his storied career, Gordon was known as a tough and innovative pioneer, in the legal profession. He received several awards recognizing him for his legal prowess. His arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1972, resulted in the groundbreaking NLRB versus Burns International decision. The ruling requires successor employers to recognize, and collectively bargain with, an incumbent union, when certain conditions are met.
He was greatly respected and admired by his peers in management, arbitrators, and representatives of various Administrative Agencies, such as the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
In addition to his love of the law, Gordon was passionate about teaching. For a number of years Gordon taught union and labor related courses at Macomb County Community College on Saturdays. His teaching skills also extended to our members and delegates, that participated in his Steward Training and Grievance Processing seminars, that took place during Constitutional Conventions and Security Summits.
Gordon was an excellent teacher who possessed tremendous listening skills. He encouraged those that attended his seminars to participate. He was kind and patient.
The SPFPA family is saddened and will sorely miss our long-time dear friend, brother and counselor. Our deepest sympathies go out to Gordon’s wife Joyce and his family.
He was a sweetheart. I think about him often. He used to call me kiddo, lol.
Brother Gordon was always open to give advice and guidance in our organizing campaigns. He will be missed.
I first met Gordon in 1979 when I was the Unit Chairman at the old Fisher Body Fleetwood plant. I worked closely with Gordon during my two careers with the Union. I learned more from him, than I could have in a hundred seminars on labor relations. He truly was a legend.
My deepest sympathy for our SPFPA family, for his loved ones and friends in this time of sorrow. Brother Gordon Gregory RIP
My fondest memory is I made a bet with former Local 554 President Chad Wolf. The bet was on MSU vs Wisconsin, the loser would have to wear the others team cap at SPFPA Convention check in, of course I lost the bet and wore the Wisconsin cap while checking in members, Gordon being originally from Janesville WI loved the cap, I made sure at the end of check in to give him the cap. For years after he wore that cap whenever he came to the International office. It meant a lot to me that this little gesture of mine meant so much to him.
He will truly be missed.
