Bargaining Update

First Contract at Purple Communications

Members of American Sign Language Interpreters United, a unit of the Pacific Media Workers Guild, TNG-CWA Local 39521, have ratified their first contracts with Purple Communications. The contracts are the first in the nation for American Sign Language video interpreters and are effective April 1.

The 170 video interpreters work at four centers in Oakland, San Diego, Denver and Arizona.

Employees in the four centers voted for TNG-CWA representation in late 2012, with negotiations getting underway in March 2013. The contracts provide for a first-ever grievance and binding third-party arbitration procedure and other improvements in working conditions. Video interpreters said they are committed to building their union within their profession.