Interpreters and translators are affected by the AB5 bill as they cannot further work as independent contractors. More than half of California-based translators and interpreters are independent contractors. They have protested for several months, but all goes in vain, and Assemblywomen Lorena Gonzalez, a sponsor of the AB5 bill, ignored all.
AB5 bill may have done well in many cases, but for interpreter professionals, this bill has threatened their livelihood. LSPs have to hire full-time interpreters for different languages, and this adds a financial burden. The language organizations cannot work with California-based independent language service providers which leads to business loss. A new bill SB 900 has been drafted to reverse the damage of AB5.
What does SB 900 offer?
Nearly 75% of California-based interpreters and translators are independent contractors. They provide services to people in different sectors, including education, business, entertainment, conferences, law, athletics, the arts, law and the courts, human services, and healthcare. Among interpreters and translators, who are self-employed or independent contractors, gained no safety outside of employee status to practice in California.
A newly drafted SB 900 state legislation bill provides a set of conditions whereby practicing translators and interpreters can serve Californians. The bill protects access to language services, including people with limited English proficiency and disabled people important to every aspect of ordinary life. The bill also prevents the cut-off of experienced professionals led by immigrant and women-run small business setups who are the foundation of a burgeoning $2 billion sector of the economy.
How are Language organizations dealing with the changing scenario?
Language organizations are consistently working with legislators to refine the bill. The coalition of Practicing translators and interpreters of California (CoPTIC) advocates met with Senator Jerry Hill after the bill’s introduction. Many other organizations like the American Association of Language Specialists (TAALS), the American Translators Association (ATA), and the Joint National Committee for Languages (JNCL) came forward and united for supporting the new bill.
Translators and interpreters are essential for Americans in different sectors, and these professionals are the lifeline of various domains of society, including public health. The new bill SB 900 respects the language expertise and reserves the rights of California-based thousands of linguists who are self-employed or work independently similarly to the majority of other professions. The executive director of (JNCL) the Joint National Committee for Languages hopes best for the future. He is looking forward to the improvement of the bill and its approval this year.
Final Words
Lawmakers said AB5 intends to protect the right of independent contractors and labor rights allegedly being exploited by employers to give protection in the workplace. The workers who are formerly working as independent contractors would receive several benefits like minimum wage, paid leave, overtime, unemployment and health insurance, and more. However, the language industry experienced a downfall with this bill because this industry depends on a diverse pool of talent. Interpreters and translators have hopes for SB900 so that everything can be normal in the future.
