Q&A with NPEU Member Amy Chin-Lai

An interview with NPEU member Amy Chin-Lai

What do you do at Action Squared?

I am the engineering partnership manager. A lot of my work focuses on app integration.

How long have you been a NPEU member?

My coworkers and I formed our union with NPEU in November because - as a unionized workforce - we have more of a say in our organization, and we wanted to live our values. I’ve been at Action Squared for three and a half years and it was really rewarding to reflect our values by organizing a staff union.

Is this your first time working in a unionized workplace? What has your overall experience been like working at a unionized workplace?

Yes, this is the first unionized workplace I’ve worked at, and since we unionized transparency has increased at Action Squared. We (my coworkers and I) have been informed about more decisions, are aware of the respect we have from our managers, and collaborate with management on planning through our labor-management committee. There’s an understanding that we can and will act if need be.

What do you value most about your NPEU contract?

We are currently negotiating our first union contract and we are excited to gain more of a voice in the direction of Action Squared.

How would you like to see NPEU grow or develop in the next 5 years?

It’s so awesome to see other nonprofits join NPEU, especially other nonprofit units that are remote. I’d like NPEU to continue developing a space for employees at remote organizations to come together and be part of the larger nonprofit union community. When we were organizing at Action Squared there were a number of challenges we had to overcome as remote workers. People were in completely different time zones and it was difficult scheduling meetings. As remote workers, we also didn’t see each other in person everyday, so we really had to make an effort to have one-on-ones. My advice for those organizing right now - when most people are remote - is to do one-on-ones and keep up communication with your coworkers.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I listen to podcasts - my favorites are about true crime - My Favorite Murder and the Fault Line. I also have a rescue dog named Axel that I take on walks. I really enjoy yoga and going to bars and restaurants in D.C. (when we aren’t in a pandemic).

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

I’m really good at killing planets, and also crochet. I’ll happily make a blanket for your animal, but not for people (just kidding… ).

What are your social media handles?

My Twitter handle is @amy_chinlai, though I mostly post about figure skating. I used to figure skate, which is where my dog Axel gets his name!