What we thought was meaningful progress in recent meetings has seriously bogged down over a new development that could result in unequal pay for employees. The issue is this: the Judicial Council has under consideration a raise in independent contractor rates. The independent contractors are asking for the federal rate, which would constitute a 26% increase.

In bargaining, Region 2 has said that the maximum they can give us in this reopener is 3% now and 3% next year if we give up the option to bargain over wages next year. Region 1 (LA Superior Court) imposed a 2.5% increase earlier this year- something the Union did not agree to- and our contract is still open with unfair labor practice charges pending. In Regions 3 and 4 interpreters are locked-in to 3% maximum increases.

We are of course concerned about a disparity between contractor and employee pay. But our position is clear: contractors and employees are both underpaid in the state courts and we support an increase in contractor and employee pay to match federal rates and salaries. Please see two attached presentations made by CFI at the Judicial Council’s November 7 meeting on the contractor rate issue.

Members at our November 4 Region 2 meeting were very concerned about this new development and made it clear to your bargaining committee that if equity in wages with contractors could not be safeguarded we should continue to negotiate and mobilize.

At our November 9 bargaining session, we tried to find a reasonable compromise and close a deal. We proposed a 4% increase each year and the ability to reopen on wages immediately should the independent contractors be granted an increase in excess of ours. The lawyer speaking for the region said his “principals” rejected this proposal. His principals were described as the executive officers of the 15 courts in the region. This includes Kiri Torre, the CEO of the largest employer of interpreters in the Region and a member of the AOC subcommittee that will make the recommendation on the independent contractor increase.

The Region also renewed the proposal to expand unit work to include telephone and counter work-something that had been dropped from their last package proposal. We responded that a settlement acceptable to Region 2 employees would not include this inappropriate change in our work. The session was then recessed and a further meeting has not been set.

We are committed to continue negotiating to reach a fair settlement. At the same time, given the courts’ refusal to recognize the skills and value of court interpreters- both contractors and employees- it looks like it will take more pressure and organizing to get to a fair settlement. Here’s your first assignment: wear your buttons. Don’t have one? Contact your steward or other courthouse mobilizer.

This is a very interesting moment. With contracts open in Regions 1 and 2 and a proposed contractor rate increase in the air- the time is ripe for court interpreters- regardless of status- to join forces.

Your Bargaining Committee:

Union Representative: