rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/tell-labor-industries-to-pay-interpreters-no-more-unpaid-work?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-tell-labor-industries-to-pay-interpreters-no-more-unpaid-work' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) https://actionnetwork.org/groups/washington-federation-of-state-employees-wfse https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/letters/photos/000/425/523/normal/Game_This_or_That_Presentation_Blue_Pictures.jpg Interpreters who work appointments for the Department of Labor & Industries sometimes wait months and years to be paid for interpreting appointments. Sometimes they are never compensated for work they have performed. In other instances, they are compensated but forced to pay back the money received for work completed through “claw-backs." “I find it utterly ironic that the agency that investigates and litigates wage theft does not guarantee that interpreters will be paid," said Barbara Robertson, a Swahili interpreter and member of WFSE Local 1671, Interpreters United. "Frankly, I'm not inclined to interpret again for a client whose insurer hasn't paid me.” L&I interpreters work in healthcare settings and play a vital role in the care of Washington’s injured workers of limited English proficiency (LEP). The quality and availability of interpretation has a direct impact on health outcomes. Fewer interpreters on the job has huge ramifications for workplace safety, language equity, and LEP workers' health. Click Start Writing to send an email to L&I and tell Director Joel Sacks that it is time to ensure interpreters are paid for their work. It's time to take care of those that care for Washington’s injured workers. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-labor-industries-to-pay-interpreters-no-more-unpaid-work