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Region 2 Back at the Table

The first session of the final re-opener in our current contract was held Monday September 10th, in Martinez. In addition to wages, each side had the opportunity to propose one economic and one non-economic issue for negotiations.

The Union made the following proposals:

• Salary Steps similar to those enjoyed by all other employees in the courts. Our proposal includes a 5% increase across the board and step increases that recognize experience and seniority. The union proposal can be funded by existing funds allocated specifically for interpreter services in the state budget.
• Vacation accrual based on historical seniority.
• Team interpreting for all evidentiary hearings over 35 minutes long.

Administration proposed:

• A 2% salary increase.
• New language requiring interpreters to assist members of the public in need of interpretation regardless of the location (ie: counters, phones, etc.) Similar yet broader than last year’s proposal.
• A change in the processing of grievances that arise during a cross assignment, from the employee’s home court to the Regional Chair.

At this first meeting, there was little discussion. Each side exchanged proposals, and some technical points were clarified. Future sessions were scheduled for September 18th and 25th and October 1st and 16th. Obviously, our proposals are very far apart and the bargaining to reach mutual ground will be very tough.

Today marked day seven of the interpreter’s strike in Region 1 (Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties). The main issue being disputed there is seniority based salary steps. The court rejected a step system, declared impasse and imposed a flat 4% increase. For a second year in a row, Region 1 court management refused to engage in good faith bargaining. Interpreter employees were left with no other choice but to strike.

Hopefully you are receiving updates on the strike in Region 1. We may soon be faced with the same difficult choices as we are in the same situation. There is a well-documented interpreter shortage largely because our pay is way below the market rate. The money is there and the courts can do what is fair. It would be great (and unexpected) if the Region 2 courts decided to be reasonable and bargain a significant pay increase to apply the funds they’re sitting on.

We will continue to keep you updated.