Q&A with NPEU Member Teddy Quinn

An interview with NPEU member Teddy Quinn

What do you do at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP)?

I am a digital communications specialist at the Center on Budget. This means I manage CBPP’s twitter account, our email campaigns, and track all things analytics. I am also (very proudly) the Head of Communications on CBPP’s union’s Governing Board.

How long have you been a NPEU member?

We were voluntarily recognized in 2018 and officially ratified our contract in January 2020. Ratifying the contract and getting married are my highlights of 2020.

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 my first time working in a unionized workplace! The biggest difference by far is actually having a seat at the table when organization-wide decisions are being made. Not only do you have a right to be a part of that process, but you get to help push the organization to be the best it can possibly be. My wife came from a proud union household and we are now both proud members of unions. It’s great to continue the legacy.

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

It’s been a transformative experience. I was elected by our members to represent the unit to negotiate our contract with five other incredible, passionate people. To be able to speak truth to power to people who had never heard these concerns from staff they had managed for decades was a real shock to the system of just how powerful a union is. We were able to secure a $50,000 salary floor, 12 weeks of parental leave, just cause employment, and many other tangible gains. To come back to our members with these wins and immediately see a change in the quality of life for many of them was a great way to start my experience working at a unionized workplace.

What do you value most about your NPEU contract?

While DC has had protections for LGBTQ folks for years now, that hasn’t been true across the country until very recently. Before the Supreme Court case ruled that it was illegal to fire someone for being gay or gender non-conforming that was legal in 36 states. That’s why just cause meant so much to me as a very out non-binary lesbian having those protections that my organization couldn’t just fire me one day because they didn’t like the way I looked or spoke or pushed for more equity across the Center. Just cause was one of our fiercest fights and the one I’m most proud of securing.

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

It’s been so exciting to see the growth of NPEU just in the past few months! I can’t wait for us to expand more outside of the Beltway and bring union protections to more and more nonprofits across the country.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I am a very proud “wife guy,” so most of my activities out of work revolve around traveling and exploring with my wife. We had planned to take our month-long honeymoon this year (thanks to the bonus vacation days secured in our new contract!), but we have moved to checking out all the cozy cabins in the West Virginia mountains for the time being. Once concerts come back, you can usually catch me at the 930 Club or wherever women folk artists are performing.

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

I am most complimented on my “snark” on Twitter, so please reach out if you need a shady tweet! I’m also very knowledgeable about gay Taylor Swift conspiracy theories and pop culture in general if you ever need a gay, union voice on your pop culture podcast!

What are your social media handles?

As a social media manager, my handles are private! But you can follow our socialist cats’ Instagram account at www.instagram.com/eugene.and.debs .