The ASL Interpreters Union–OPEIU is holding a press conference in front of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at 9am ET on Wednesday, February 26th. Video Relay Service (VRS) interpreters and VRS users will be sharing their experiences with Video Relay Service, an essential service regulated by the FCC and funded by American consumers of telecommunications products.

VRS interpreters and Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing VRS users have been speaking out about the poor working conditions, low pay, and inadequate service quality for years. Issues have demonstrably worsened at the two largest VRS providers: ZP Better Together and Sorenson Communications. VRS interpreters have been organizing to win their union with the ASL Interpreters Union–OPEIU at both Sorenson and ZP Better Together. Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing VRS users are an integral part of this organizing effort to improve both services and working conditions.

Congressman Greg Casar (D-TX) will be joining the press conference in support of VRS interpreters unionizing. Congressman Casar represents Texas’ 35th congressional district, which extends from San Antonio to Austin. ZP Better Together is headquartered in Austin, TX, and a considerable number of VRS interpreters reside in Congressman Casar’s district.

Join us

The ASL Interpreters Union–OPEIU is inviting allied organizations, labor unions, worker coalitions, Deaf community groups, students, elected officials, and others to join this rare opportunity to hear from both VRS interpreters and Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people who use VRS everyday. Please gather with us outside the FCC at 8:45 AM ET on Wednesday, February 26th and show support for interpreters and Deaf community members. We ask attendees to wear blue.