News from the California Federation of Interpreters Picket Line

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October 8, 2007

SAY WHAT?

President's Message

The following message was delivered to the CFI Conference in San Francisco this weekend. Many strikers had to cancel their trips to the conference this year but those who were able to attend were honored with a huge round of applause.

Dear Colleagues:

It is with great regret that I am not here to address you personally today. As you can probably see, the majority of the CFI leadership has stayed in Los Angeles in order to deal with the strike which is now entering its fifth week. Interpreters across the state have followed the strike closely and the messages of support as well as the donations we have received are a clear demonstration that our fight to move the profession forward is understood across any lines that might divide us.

The state of our profession has taken a dramatic turn due to this unprecedented strike and the impacts will be felt for years to come. Separate and apart from the immediate impact on interpreters and the courts, this strike has starkly illuminated some shameful practices by the courts. While the judges might have thought that it would be easy to replace us, in fact, they have found that many of the people who were willing to work as scabs are people who are not certified. Our observers in the court have witnessed these "interpreters" stop interpreting when the proceedings go too quickly or when they do not know the terms. Thousands of cases have had to be continued at the expense of the non-English speaking public. Regardless of when the strike ends, everyone who has respected the picket line, employee and independent contractor alike, has been instrumental in calling attention to these injustices and as professionals we all have an interest in calling to task everyone in the court system who participated in promoting these actions which are not only harmful to interpreters but to the public we serve.

An Open Invitation

Stressed out? Exhausted? Underpaid? Unappreciated? Ostracized?

Out Of Step, the rhythmically challenged, perennially unwelcome and illustriously infamous percussion ensemble may be just what you need!!!

If you are currently working as an interpreter for any Superior Court in Region 1 we have a spot reserved for you.

No musical experience is necessary and a large selection of instruments is available for you to choose from. All you have to do is show up  we'll even throw in a t-shirt for you (color appropriate for the day, of course) So remember, whether you've been working all along or have recently gone back, employee or contractor, male or female& we want you with us. Nobody will be turned away. We are waiting for you with open arms. Joins us!!!

City Council Passes Resolution

This Friday, October 5, 2007, the Los Angeles City Council passed a resolution in support of striking court interpreters. To watch the video of the support statements, click here: and in the box that says "Jump To," select Item No. 52.

But in case your computer doesn't support viewing the clip, we have transcribed the text and will send it out shortly. All of the council members spoke strongly and articulately in favor, but for tonight, here's one quote:

Hon. Tony Cardenas:

The fact of the matter is, that is an example of a flaw in a system where we have a judicial system that is supposed to be the fairest system in the world, yet at the same time, human beings are, right here in Los Angeles, not getting the proper representation or even the simple understanding of what they are being charged with, how to answer the question honestly and to be able to have the system work the way it's supposed to. I've received calls from attorneys who are telling me that they are doing make-shift interpreting in the courts as we speak today. They are getting people from the audience, "Do you speak such-and-such language?" "Yeah, I do." And they are having them interpret. They could be interpreting wrong, they haven't been certified, nobody can attest to the fact that they are even understanding what they're interpreting. On the other hand, I think it's important for us to point out: in order to become a court interpreter you have to be very, very, very good. You have to be top notch. The test to become a court interpreter is extremely extensive and difficult. The passage rate of people who get certified is very, very low.