CFI :: Region 1 Strike Bulletin #3

Two letters to John Clarke were presented by Assembly Member Mike Eng and Senator Gil Cedillo on the Assembly and Senate floors and signed by many concerned legislators this week. Judy Chu, Vice Chair of the Board of Equalization also sent a letter to Clarke today. The letters state in part:

It is in the urgent interest of our constituents for this dispute to be resolved immediately, and for interpreting services, provided by fully qualified, professional court interpreters, to be restored.

The court interpreters are indispensable in the administration of justice and are entitled to fair treatment and compensation. We believe strongly that our court interpreters, members of the California Federation of Interpreters/CWA-TNG, Local 39521, AFL-CIO, should be treated with dignity and respect, and should be rewarded appropriately for the critical role they play in our court system.

Inside the pressure cooker

Every day we stay out, the Courts hurt even more. Everyone is telling us, no matter what the courts say, that our strike is having a severe impact. One attorney coming out of the Criminal Courts Building told us "the place is like a funeral home inside; the judges don't know what to do with the backlog of cases building up." Another attorney said the judges are inside a bunker without lights or windows, groping for a way out in the dark. Fortunately, some judges are voir dire'ing the scabs for each and every case, as outlined by the Judicial Council. And many attorneys are refusing to stipulate to the use of provisionals.

This turmoil is unnecessary when the funds are available and fair treatment will bring us back to work.

We regret the disruptions to the system we've devoted our lives to, but the court has the ability to get things back to normal anytime it chooses. All they have to do is treat us fairly.

Want to see how things are going in other picket locations? We are looking for people to act as runners between our HQ in Santa Fe Springs and the picket lines. We'll keep the distances as reasonable as possible. Mileage will be paid.

We continue to get cooperation from other unions—today even the ISD carriers, who shuttle documents between courts, honored our picket line at Norwalk and did not enter the building! Garbage pickups and other services are also being severely affected in courthouses throughout the region.

We especially want to thank the many opt-outs and independent contractors who are honoring our strike. You are amazing.

Courts Make Illegal Threats

In apparent desperation, the Assignment Office has threatened retaliation against some interpreters who have declared they are on strike. Please immediately report any calls from administration intended to intimidate you to return to work. That is outrageous illegal conduct and our attorneys are on the case.

Rally Friday at CCB

We want as many people as possible for the rally at CCB on Friday. The rally will be held from 11:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. Arrive early. We will try to maintain skeleton crews on our other picket lines, so please understand if you are asked to remain behind.