WHEREAS:

American demographics are changing. New York, Chicago and Los Angeles are no longer the only cities that can boast about diversity in their populations; and

WHEREAS:

State courts have experienced an increase in cases where the victim, defendant or witness is in need of a court interpreter; and

WHEREAS:

State courts are continuously exploring the possibility or actually hiring court interpreters. These interpreters have the potential to become state employees; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME should endeavor itself to ensure that fair hiring practices and adequate salaries are in place; and

WHEREAS:

Local 1070 represents over 200 court interpreters in the New York City area. The local negotiates contractual issues and also takes measures to provide the courts with a highly skilled individual.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME work with its regional offices to provide assistance for those court interpreter groups who wish to join the labor movement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That Local 1070 offers its experience and assistance to AFSCME in this organizing drive.

SUBMITTED BY:

Clifford L. Koppelman, President and Delegate
Fausto Sabatino, Vice President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 1070, Council 37
New York