Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Supporting Contract Interpreters

Did you know that roughly 75% of interpreters working in the United States are independent contractors?

Here at In Every Language, we understand the power of micro-business and we make it part of our mission to help contractors from disadvantaged background grow their careers.  Part of these efforts include our recent endorsement of the Contract Interpreters Information Center.

In this work, In Every Language joins respected colleagues from around the nation in supporting this valuable and growing resource.  The Center's website explains the benefits of running your own micro-enterprise as a contractor, contains advocacy information on the contractors' federal labor rights, and offers a blog updating state-specific information as it becomes available.  Information is also available on how an independent contractor can make her/himself more attractive to translating and interpreting agencies.


We appreciate our hardworking interpreters who strive day-in, day-out to ensure that our clients' communications are accurately conveyed from one language into the next.  That's why we do what we can to support them, and that is why In Every Language backs the Contract Interpreters Information Center.

5 comments:

Kirti Vashee said...

My wife is a contract interpreter and I am amazed at how she is often bullied, (Long work hours, extra admin tasks) without any real benefits by the US State Dept no less.

Here is a case where workers are getting exploited because they have no unified voice.

Anonymous said...

Hi - I am definitely delighted to find this. great job!

Anonymous said...

Hi - I am certainly glad to find this. Good job!

Douglas Green said...

I believe that their is a role for both in our industry and the IRS does a very good job of discussing the parameters for each.

Unfortunately what Kirti describes is far to often the case. Interpreters and Translators who are employed full time should have the right to benefits, insurance, retirement plans, etc. The true professionalization of our industry will only come when we begin to treat the people who make up the backbone of our industry as professionals.

Just my very humble opinion.

Douglas Green said...

I believe that their is a role for both in our industry and the IRS is clear on the parameters for each.

Unfortunately what Kirti describes is far to often the case. Interpreters and Translators who are employed full time should have the right to benefits, insurance, retirement plans, etc. The true professionalization of our industry will only come when we begin to treat the people within our industry as professionals.

Just my very humble opinon.