Q&A with NPEU member Sarah Rawlins

An Interview with NPEU Member Sarah Rawlins.

What do you do at the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR)?

I create interactive displays for our economic data and help with communications and development work.

How long have you been a NPEU member?

Almost a year.

Is this your first time working in a unionized workplace? If so, how is it different from a non-union workplace you've worked in? If not, how is NPEU different from the previous union you were part of?

It is! More emphasis on equality compared to the non-unionized one before it. There is an understanding that everyone in the union and management is equally invested in the organization’s success and is deserving of respect.

I also really appreciate the security that a union brings, I don’t have to expect that arbitrary changes will be made without warning or input from the people who will be most affected. And the greater ownership of our (the workers) stake in the organization means I feel more pride in my work and in CEPR than I did in workplaces where the power balance was more unequal.

What has your overall experience been like working at a unionized workplace?

Very positive, everyone should be in a union.

What do you value most about your NPEU contract?

Dental insurance. Not because it’s that much more valuable than other parts of our contract, but because it’s so often overlooked and it exemplifies the level of care that went into our contract.

How would you like to see NPEU grow or develop in the next five years?

I hope we can bring more attention to non-profit workplaces; just because someone wants to work for an altruistic organization doesn’t mean they should forego basic working rights.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I social dance (swing and blues), bike, hike, and play board games.

Do you have any skills or talents that you could offer NPEU members, if they need it?

I can help you learn to ride a bike! It’s empowering, especially in the city. Also dance, or do some fun stuff with your data (although there are likely better people for that in NPEU).
 
What are your social media handles?

@sarahcrawlins on Twitter