Court interpreters strike for 22% pay raise

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-interpreters6sep06,1,2778199.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california

Workers at L.A. County courthouses pledge to stay out indefinitely. Widespread disruption of legal system results.
By Anna Gorman, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
September 6, 2007

More than two hundred Los Angeles County court interpreters demanding graduated pay increases went on strike Wednesday, disrupting cases throughout the system, court officials said.

Interpreters picketed at several courthouses around the county and pledged to stay out as long as necessary.

"Our services are absolutely indispensable," said Karen Stevens, a Spanish-language interpreter picketing in front of the downtown Criminal Courts building. "Our work should be recognized."

About 240 staff interpreters and nearly a dozen contract interpreters did not show up for work as scheduled Wednesday, court spokesman Allan Parachini said.

Judges responded to the strike by continuing cases and rearranging their daily schedules. No courtrooms were closed.

"Effects of this are being felt throughout the county," Parachini said.

FULL story at link.