Who is Evangeline Byars?
Evangeline Byars, a native New Yorker, has built a remarkable career championing workers’ rights and fighting for equity. Before joining the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) as a train operator, Ms. Byars worked as a Real Estate Sales professional. Her dedication to labor advocacy led her to be elected as an officer and serve on the Executive Board of TWU Local 100.
Motivated by firsthand experiences of corruption, disregard for the collective bargaining agreement, and the mismanagement of the Pandemic Policy Instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Byars answered the call to run for President of TWU Local 100. Her leadership also highlights her commitment to addressing the Retiree Medical give-back, a critical issue impacting union members.
As an active member of TWU Local 100’s Women’s Committee, Ms. Byars collaborates with a coalition of women dedicated to safeguarding women's rights within the labor movement. This coalition ensures that policies and laws are in place to protect human and reproductive rights, standing firm against systemic infringements.
Beyond her local work, Ms. Byars organizes across departments and even on a national scale to assist workers wherever their rights are violated, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to justice and solidarity.
Evangeline Byars: A Stalwart Advocate for Labor and Social Justice
Native New Yorker and Versatile Professional
Hailing from the vibrant city of New York, Evangeline Byars embodies a remarkable journey that resonates with her commitment to labor rights and equitable societal change. Prior to her tenure with the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) as a dedicated train operator, Ms. Byars excelled in Real Estate Sales. She is a former Executive Board Member of Local 100 and is also embracing the role of a prospective President for TWU Local 100.
Answering the Call for Reform
Evangeline's decision to contend for the position of TWU Local 100's President is rooted in personal experiences that unveiled corruption and a distressing disregard for collective bargaining agreements. Of particular concern was the mismanagement and flawed execution of the Pandemic Policy Instruction during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This unwavering commitment to address grievances and advance positive change catalyzed her run for the presidency.
When We Fight We Win!
Evangeline Byars is a dynamic and progressive leader in the labor movement, known for her unwavering commitment to workers’ rights and social justice. With a career spanning impactful grassroots campaigns and high-level strategic planning, she has become a recognized figure in labor advocacy and union leadership.
Key Achievements
Union Leadership and Advocacy
former Senior Advisor and Labor Union Consultant, Evangeline has played a pivotal role in shaping the day-to-day operations of major labor unions such as the Amazon Labor Union and Associate Workers Labor Union.
She is a trailblazer in developing comprehensive Shop Steward curricula and conducting empowering "Know Your Rights" courses every Tuesday, ensuring union members are well-equipped to stand up for their rights.
Champion for Equity and Family Rights
Evangeline filed a groundbreaking grievance for New York State Paid Family Leave in 2021. Her efforts extended maternity and paternity leave from two weeks to 12 weeks, setting a precedent for family-friendly workplace policies during the 2023 contract negotiations.
Grassroots Organizer and Advocate
As a train operator for the MTA, she spearheaded grassroots campaigns, amplifying the voices of workers and retirees.
In 2023, she collaborated with retirees to sue the MTA and union, fighting for retiree medical benefits.
She organized and led rallies for safe buses and subways, advocating for better safety measures and working conditions for transit workers and commuters alike.
Empowering the Wrongfully Terminated
Evangeline is a lifeline for wrongfully terminated employees, guiding them through the complex appeals process in court to help them regain their jobs and dignity.
Visionary Leadership
She has served as a public face for union initiatives, managing special campaigns, events, and acting as a bridge between executive leadership and union members.
Philosophy and Vision
Evangeline’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in fostering solidarity and driving solutions. She is a solutions-driven strategist who combines grassroots activism with top-level management to address the evolving challenges faced by workers today.
Legacy in the Labor Movement
From championing labor-friendly legislation to empowering individuals at the grassroots level, Evangeline Byars continues to redefine union leadership for the modern era. Her vision is clear: a labor movement where fairness, equity, justice, and safety—on and off the job—are not just ideals but everyday realities.
Agent of Change:
Throughout her tenure as an elected officer, Evangeline has been an ardent advocate for the marginalized, giving voice to the voiceless. Her embodiment of the principles of unionism, believing that harm to one signifies harm to all, solidifies her position as an agent of change. Collaborating with colleagues, she raised funds and engaged legal support for a wrongfully terminated bus operator, fostering justice.
Empowering Women and Protecting Rights:
A leading advocate for women's issues, Ms. Byars stands alongside those who seek justice. Her involvement with Ms. Crystal Young Conductor's lawsuit against the MTA exemplifies her commitment to ensuring reasonable accommodations for pregnant women. Organizing the women of NYCTA, she demanded justice for Ms. Jillian Williams, reinforcing the principle that no woman's rights should be compromised.
Negotiating for Equity:
Evangeline's role as a vanguard in departmental contract negotiations was evident in her unwavering commitment to securing equitable terms. Her refusal to entertain "Give Backs" from the MTA during negotiations showcased her determination. Leveraging her insight and leadership, she ensured the preservation of a fair workday structure and contractual security.
Roots in Organized Labor:
Evangeline's entry into the labor movement commenced in 2011 through SEIU 32BJ & 1199, coinciding with the early planning stages of The Concerned Students of Medgar Evers College Student Movement (CSOME). Her summer internship with SEIU 32BJ's Youth Brigade provided a transformative crash course in labor history and organizing techniques.
Empowering Higher Education:
Evangeline's journey led her to connect with Civil Rights icon Harry Belafonte and the Gathering for Justice under Carmen Perez-Jordan's leadership. These connections solidified her role as a leader in the labor movement and as an advocate for justice in higher education.
A Legacy of Advocacy:
Mentored in electoral politics by the late Congressman Major Owens, Evangeline championed the cause of Historically Black Colleges and Institutions through her role on the Executive Committee of the Martin Luther King Commission.
National Recognition and Advocacy:
Evangeline's commitment to advocacy garnered recognition from the Obama administration, leading to a meeting with President Barack Obama. Collaborating with the Higher Ed Not Debt campaign, she contributed to initiatives combatting student debt.
A Transformational Campaigner:
Her efforts extended to campaigns for Brooklyn District Attorney Kenneth P. Thompson and Borough President Eric Adams, driving change in Brooklyn's political landscape.
Forging Ahead with Purpose:
Evangeline's candidacy for the presidency of TWULocal100 embodies her understanding of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, led by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She acknowledges this legacy as she aspires to ensure equal rights and access to work for all Americans. Driven by the obligation to defend organized labor, she rallies to resurrect TWULocal100's force, respect, and brighter vision for the future, echoing the rallying cry, "We Are Stronger Together."
Educational Journey and Parenthood:
Evangeline's academic journey led to a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Medgar College of The City University of New York. Balancing her pursuits, she also revels in being the nurturing mother of a dynamic and spirited daughter.
Evangeline Byars, through her transformative leadership, unyielding advocacy, and deep-rooted commitment, stands as a beacon of change in the labor movement and beyond. Her journey inspires us to forge ahead with purpose, championing equity, justice, and the collective betterment of society.