News from the California Federation of Interpreters Picket Line

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September 19, 2007

SAY WHAT?

Messages...
From our picket lines

El MONTE shook hands......with Former President Clinton.

There were 4 picketers on the sidewalk at about 10:30. Two women walk by and tell us “You should go down the block, Clinton and Schwartzenegger are there.” At first we thought they were joking. (They) were visiting an elementary school around the corner from the EL MONTE COURT HOUSE. When we got there, the whole block was closed by secret service men and police officers. The local residents were standing on their front lawns, there were also about 15 other school moms… Schwartzenegger comes out and waves and goes into the waiting vehicle and speeds off. Five minutes later, Clinton comes out…He starts walking in our direction. There are secret service men everywhere. After shaking hands with 5 other people he comes to the STRIKERS......I tell him we are "COURT INTERPRETERS ON STRIKE. WE HAVE BEEN ON STRIKE FOR 10 DAYS. THE COURTS WILL NOT TALK TO US. PLEASE HELP US. WOULD YOU MAKE A PHONE CALL?" He comes to a standstill and is listening to me. He asks who does not want to talk to us and I tell him "JOHN CLARKE".

There were no cameras unfortunately. But it was quite a moment for us. Who knows if he will make a phone call or not? But for us in EL MONTE......4 picketers made a difference today…

From Downey

(Name withheld), Private Attorney, continues to come by our picket station and cheer us up, reminding us that he is not going to stipulate to anything but certified interpreters. “I don’t do scabs,” he told a judge. The judge said that was fine.

All Eyes are on Los Angeles

Dear Colleagues: You are doing the whole profession proud! Thank you on behalf of all of us worldwide... and GOOD LUCK!
Sergio Viaggio ex Chief Interpreter with the United Nations Office at Vienna

FRIDAY RALLY at CCB 11 A.M to 2 P.M. EVERYBODY BE THERE

We'll meet and picket at CCB and march to CCH where the Executive Committee Judges sit. Be there, be loud and be proud.

We'll hear the latest update, share refreshments and move to the beat of our own drums!

Strike relief funds will be distributed.

Remember to wear ORANGE!

Special thanks to Nao Ikeuchi, Sergio Genzon, Ariel Torrone and Jorge Villagra for keeping the music going at our rallies.