Our interpreter bargaining team announced on June 12, 2011 they had reached a tentative agreement with the State on a first union contract!  Interpreters voted to ratify (approve) our new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on June 28, 2011. 

Read our updated* final 2011-2013 contract (pdf).

*This version contains great new language guaranteeing interpreters don't have to pay to get their paychecks!  Check out the new Article 6.12 in our union contract for exact language.  Why did we need to update our union contract?  In fall 2011 some language agencies started charging 'shipping and handling fees' or making interpreters drive to the language agency's office to get paychecks.  Our Union fought back and won! 

Read more below about the new process brokers and language agencies are required to follow when there is a complaint made about your services.

Interpreters who refused to stay in a room alone with a patient, or who refused to schedule an appointment with the receptionist (both no-no’s) would get complained about and likely prohibited from working. When complaints were made, interpreters had no right to know about the complaint or respond.

Thanks to our advocacy, finally the State is going to require brokers and agencies to have a fair process for resolving complaints!!!

Beginning January 1, HCA will require all brokers to create a ‘corrective action policy’ that ensures:

• Interpreters are notified of ANY complaint within 3 business days;
• Interpreters can keep working at a facility until any investigation is complete (unless public health & safety is at risk);
• Interpreters have a chance to respond to any allegations
• A progressive sequence of corrective actions.

As we look eagerly towards the upcoming end to the broker system, our hearts go out to the many interpreters who have lost work in the past because of an unfair, broken system that allowed brokers and agencies to unilaterally bar interpreters from working.

1/13/2012 UPDATE: As of late this week, HCA had heard ONLY from the broker Paratransit (operating in most of western WA) that they are reviewing all past complaints against interpreters, applying the new standards.  All brokers need to follow Paratransit's great example!! We'll keep you posted as we learn more.

Below is more information about our historic achievement!

• Read a June 12, 2011 letter from our bargaining team announcing the tentative agreement.
• Below is a one page summary of highlights from our contract.
• Read through frequently asked questions about bargaining and what    our contract means for interpreters.

Interpreters United, Local 1671, WFSE/AFSCME
Union Contract Summary

• Minimum hourly pay is $30 per hour.
• 1 hour minimum pay for every completed appointment and 2 hour minimum pay for block time appointments.
• Any appointment lasting more than the minimum is rounded up to the nearest 15 minute increment.
• Guaranteed reimbursement for 100% cost of all parking, train, ferry, bus and toll expenses.
• Guaranteed pay for all mileage over 10 miles at half of the state standard business rate.
• Guaranteed pay for 30 minutes for all no-shows.
• Guaranteed pay of 30 minutes for any cancellation within 24 hours of scheduled time.
• Only 1 background check required each year.
• At least 30 minutes pay to both interpreters if they are scheduled for the same appointment (double booking).
• Interpreters will be paid within 44 days of DSHS receiving a record of work completed. After the broker system ends in January 2012, you will be paid in less than 37 days. 

• Brokers and foreign language agencies are no longer allowed to fine interpreters.
• Grievance procedure established to address disputes covered by our contract.
• Streamlines documentation requirements. Reduces administrative burden that jeopardized providing quality interpreting services by eliminating back-up logs for medical appointments. 
• Requires medical offices and social workers to sign documents saying when we actually arrive, not when convenient for receptionist to finally sign.
• Protections from discrimination.
• Agreement to review problems with interpreters being scheduled for longer than the actual appointment time.
• Agreement to review and facilitate continuing education opportunities for interpreters.
• Agreement to negotiate economic issues again after the new system (to replace broker model) is determined.
• Interpreters will have the right to regularly meet with DSHS on how to improve working conditions and professional standards. We will regularly bring up problems, like the lack of a transparent and fair complaint process, and work with DSHS to solve them.