Support During COVID-19
In the depths of the pandemic, Interpreters United (WFSE) was there for our fellow interpreters.
“I am proud and thankful for the support Interpreters United has provided though these difficult times. The COVID-19 pandemic changed our safety net. Interpreters United has done great providing resources and valuable information to our interpreter community.”
America Breton, Spanish Interpreter
Won In-Person Rates for Remote Appointments
“Bargaining for in-person rates for remote appointments was a big achievement for our union. This meant a lot for me when I needed to continue working and earning income. Now we have access to the vaccine thanks to our union too, so I can go back to working more in-person appointments and be protected.”
Masuood Muhammed, Arabic Interpreter
$300 One-Time Coronavirus Grants
“When there was less work for me to count on, the Fred Meyer gift card helped me buy food for my daughter. Interpreters United has been there for us when we needed the support the most.”
Tuoi Staggs, Vietnamese Interpreter
“Early in the pandemic, when my job was put on hold, our union supported me in many ways. One of those ways was helping me put food in my pantry. A Fred Meyer card arrived in the mail while we were waiting on unemployment. They will help with that too!”
Sixta Maria Castillo, Spanish Interpreter
Interpreter Hardship Fund
We are happy to announce that our union, WFSE/AFSCME Council 28, created an Interpreter Hardship Fund through the Foundation for Working Families to help interpreters offset pandemic-related financial pressures. Interpreters United (WFSE) made an initial donation of $15,000, and the fund is now accepting applications: Click here for details or to apply.
Got Interpreters First in Line for the Vaccine
“I received the $300 grant, which helped tremendously, and the much-awaited COVID-19 vaccine. Thanks to the Union and the efforts of my union colleagues who volunteered their time to get us interpreters included in the 1A phase of the inoculation process.”
Raquel Inchauste, Spanish Interpreter
$1000 Federal Grant Guide for Interpreters
“I loved the Guide. It was very well explained and very easy to do. Only three days later, I received my $1,000! Our union has done so much to support interpreters during Coronavirus. I am so thankful we have such a strong, supportive union!”
Adriana Pelayo, Spanish Interpreter
“I got the Guide and applied for the $1,000 Federal Grant. A couple days later, the $1,000 was deposited into my bank account! Interpreters United has been doing a great job watching out for us during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Thank you to all of my union brothers and sisters.”
George Sadak, Arabic Interpreter
Sent Masks to Front-line Interpreters
We sent masks to interpreters and other front-line union members to help protect them, their families, and their communities from COVID-19.
Unemployment Application Guide and Town Halls
“I was so relieved when I learned that AFSCME had advocated for us as independent contractors to receive unemployment benefits. I am also grateful for the step-by-step guide that WFSE created for interpreters to claim unemployment benefits. I was able to use it successfully. Thank you, WFSE!”
Aida Sanchez-Vela, Spanish Interpreter
Continuing Education Webinars
We helped interpreters safely maintain their credentials with virtual Continuing Education webinars, and will continue to do so throughout 2021. 400 interpreters have already registered for our March 20 webinar!
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