Erik Evans begins work as new organizer for MRLF's Wright County Labor Council

From the Minneapolis Labor Review, February 19, 2010

By Steve Share, Labor Review editor

MINNEAPOLIS — Erik Evans began work February 8 as the new organizer for the Wright County Labor Council, one of the three suburban labor councils organized by the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation.

Evans takes over the job temporarily from Grant Bendix, whose Wisconsin National Guard unit recently was mobilized for active duty.

Evans will work with the Wright County Labor Council to engage union members who live or work in Wright County in local issue campaigns and in the MRLF’s political work in 2010.

Evans brings a diverse background to the job from his work as a political organizer, rank and file union member, and former small business owner.
	Erik Evans

Evans brings a diverse background to the job from his work as a political organizer, rank and file union member, and former small business owner.

Most recently, Evans worked as a political organizer for TakeAction Minnesota, a coalition including labor unions.

As a school bus driver for the Edina Public Schools, Evans for two years was a member of Service Employees International Union Local 284 and served as a member of his local unit’s bargaining committee. He later worked with SEIU to assist an organizing campaign.

For seven years, Evans ran his own small business, operating ice cream stands at county fairs and art festivals.

His experience as an SEIU member and organizer helped move Evans in a new direction. “I wanted a job that would increase my capacity to make a difference and to make change,” he says. “It makes it worth it if you’re improving your life, your family’s life, and the lives of others.”

Evans lives in St. Louis Park with his wife Robyn Evans and two young daughters, ages 4 years and 9 months old. Robyn is an elementary teacher in the St. Paul public schools and a member of the St. Paul Federation of Teachers.

Evans, 36, grew up in Prior Lake, Minnesota and graduated from Prior Lake High School in 1992. He is a 2005 graduate of Metropolitan State University, where he majored in social sciences.

Evans is looking forward to working in Wright County. “Because I’m from Scott County… I felt like it was a place I can bob and weave as easily as I can with my family and friends.”

Contact Erik Evans at 612-379-4206 ex. 103 or erik@minneapolisunions.org.

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