Farewell longtime Rep, Evie Shannon!

Business Rep, Evie Shannon

It's time to bid farewell to 28-year Teamster, Evie Shannon. Evie has been a Teamster Business Representative for ten years, first at Local 763, and at Local 117 since 2011. Her last day at the Local will be on April 30.

Most recently, Evie represented members in various jurisdictions in King County and the North Sound region.

Evie has always been a fierce advocate for her members and for equality and fairness in the workplace. Recently, we sat down with her to discuss her long, stellar Teamster career.

Q: How long have you been a Teamster?

E: I started driving a school bus for the Lake Washington School District in 1988. That was my first union job. I was in my 30’s and had two kids. I worked there for 18 years.

Q: How did you get involved in the union?

I saw a posting for a union meeting. I knew I had to go. I grew up in a family that was very opinionated. At the dinner table, there was always a debate. My parents always told me to have an opinion and not to be afraid to voice it.

Q: How did you become a Shop Steward?

E: We had a great Shop Steward who was retiring. She came to me and said, “Evie, you need to do this.” I was already doing most of the work. People were coming to me with questions. So, I was involved very early. We would carpool down to Seattle to attend union meetings after driving all day.

Q: When did you come on staff as a Business Rep?

E: After the big organizing victory at Highline School District, I was asked to come on staff. I had experience dealing with school districts, so it was a good fit.

Q: What are you going to miss most?

E: The members. I will miss the close relationships I’ve developed over the years. I will also miss being able to help people.

Q: What advice would you give to a new Rep?

E: Listen and always be honest. There is so much passion with this job. But you must maintain your balance. Slow down and take time to listen. There are times when you need to tell someone something they don’t want to hear - you can’t always sugarcoat it.

Q: Tell us about your life after the union.

E: I am looking forward to hiking, biking and camping. I would also like to get back into doing artwork. I love painting and photography. I also have two sons and two grandkids that I hope to spend more time with.

Thank you, Evie, for your many years of dedication to the Teamsters union. Congratulations and enjoy your last days! We will miss you!

New Business Rep., Bryon Perreira will be taking over Evie's jurisdiction. He can be reached at 206-441-4860 ext. 1235.

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