So. Cal. Interpreters End Strike, Continue Fight for Fair Treatment

With strong backing from political leaders who have promised to address their concerns, 400 CWA court interpreters in Southern California ended their 6-week strike on Wednesday.

The previous day, State Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero presided over a joint legislative hearing in Los Angeles, packed by 300 interpreters and their supporters, where lawmakers and court officials heard dramatic testimony about the vital role the interpreters play in helping non-English-speakers – about half the population in L.A. – deal with the justice system.

Calling the system "in chaos," Senator Romero asked the interpreters to return to work but promised to continue with further hearings in Sacramento to remedy problems exposed by the strike, which was largely focused on calling attention to the years-long shortage of court interpreters.  Pay disparities between interpreters and other court employees have contributed to a one-third decline in the number qualified Spanish-English interpreters, according to the California Federation of Interpreters (CFI), part of CWA Local 39521.

At the hearing, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo testified to  "a breakdown in the system," noting extensive delays and potential loss of evidence from lack of interpreter services. He cited cases such as that of a convicted child molester whose hearing to compel registration as a sex offender was delayed for two months while he was free.

In ending the strike, CFI President Sylvia Barden said it was only the beginning of the interpreters' effort to win recognition and respect for their work and a fair pay system.  "This is a much bigger fight – we're willing to take the long road on this," she told the Lompoc Record.

One of the striking workers, Doris Vick, told the paper that the strike accomplished one of the workers' main objectives.  "I just wanted others to see that we were treated unfairly.  And I think that was very clear in the hearing."

The interpreters are continuing to press unfair labor practice charges against the court for illegally declaring impasse, said Local 39521 Executive Officer Doug Cuthbertson, and he said part of the decision to go back to work was based on Senator Romero's pledge to continue to try to mediate a contract settlement.

CWA President Larry Cohen sent the interpreters a letter urging them, "When you return to work, return proudly, unified and more determined than ever that justice will be ours.  Your struggle is part of the transformation of Southern California into a true multi-cultural community.  Our strike is part of that community struggle."