CFI :: Region 1 Strike Bulletin #9

The word on the street is that not only are cases requiring interpreters getting way behind, other cases are starting to be affected as well. It seems that the cases next in line are also delayed by the wait for a scab or provisional interpreter to slink from one court to another.

Next week will be crucial, as more and more cases come up on deadlines, and continuing to continue cases will not be an option.

Every day judges are complaining more and more about the turmoil our absence is creating in their courts. One judge told us, “We are treading water,” and reported that in his courtroom at the CCB, he didn’t get an interpreter for three days. Others have whispered that there is a lot of support for our cause—but that they are all under a gag order not to discuss the strike. As one of them told our members, “If I talk they’ll send me to San Fernando!”

Well, judge, what’s wrong with the Mission City?

Support on the Line

On Wednesday, about a dozen members of the Asian Pacific/Pacific Islander community showed up at the Criminal Courts Building to walk the line with us and proudly display our signs. As Warren Furutani, their spokesperson, said, “Language access is a critical issue for our people and if interpreters are not there, our needs are not being met.”

Like many others, Warren cannot understand why the Courts are flatly refusing to face up to their responsibility to the people they are pledged to serve. Warren is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles Community College District, and he authored a resolution of support for our strike. The resolution states “the Los Angeles Community College District acknowledges the fundamental importance of the service provided by court interpreters...the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles Community College District hereby supports the California Federation of Interpreters/ TNG-CWA Local 39521 in their efforts to secure salary steps and a fair wage and benefits contract to recruit badly needed interpreters, and to provide the needed language access for this diverse linguistic community called Los Angeles.”

From a colleague...

We're taking up a collection here in Oakland. Money is on the way to support our brave colleagues in So Cal. We're with you and we're counting on you.

Stay strong! -- Carol Sue

(And the check arrived today for $1000.)

It's so inspiring to get these updates, and even more so to see that everyone is standing firm. I have a tremendous amount of admiration and respect for all my colleagues in Region 1 who are making the sacrifice, and I can only hope that when it comes down to it, as I'm sure it will, Region 2 interpreters will have the same courage and vision. I've sent in my contribution to the strike fund, and urge all my colleagues to do the same.

Love, peace, and justice,
Shannon Raintree

(CFI thanks these supporters and the many others from across the state and the nation who have sent donations and messages of support. We are truly moved by your faith in us.)