Elected Officials, Community Rally Behind L.A. Interpreters

California Senator Gloria Romero, chair of the State Senate's Public Safety Committee, has scheduled a public hearing for Oct. 15 in Los Angeles to investigate the problems that Los Angeles residents are experiencing because of the Superior Court's refusal to bargain a fair settlement with court interpreters.

Some 400 members of the California Federation of Interpreters, CWA Local 39521, have been on strike since Sept. 5, following months of bargaining for fair treatment by the Court. Interpreters have held weekly rallies and have built strong support across the diverse Los Angeles area.

Romero is among dozens of elected officials and community leaders who have expressed their concerns that justice is being denied to thousands of residents who rely on court interpreters for assistance in legal, housing, employment and other disputes.

Local news media has reported that the courts are "in chaos" without qualified interpreters attending hearings. Accused defendants have been released from jail and others in custody have had their jail time extended.

More than 53 percent of Los Angeles households don't use English as their primary language; the Census Bureau reported. That makes the role of court interpreters a critical part of the justice system. "But instead of bargaining fairly, the Court is refusing to come back and negotiate and is turning a blind eye to the thousands in our community who depend on interpreters for equal access to justice," said Silvia Barden, president of the interpreters unit.