Nebraska Supreme Court Spanish interpreters on strike for better pay
10 Nebraska Supreme Court Spanish interpreters are on strike until they get better pay.
By News Channel NebraskaLINCOLN, Neb. -- Ten Nebraska Supreme Court Spanish interpreters are on strike until they get better pay.
Their demands include an hourly rate increase to $85 per hour instead of $50, guaranteed travel time paid and a 3% automatic yearly rate increase.
The legislature passed a bill this spring that included funding for court interpreters, but Gov. Jim Pillen vetoed it. He said the Supreme Court already has enough funds to handle the pay increase.
Interpreter Vladimir Bazan said they won't stop until they get a fair deal.
“We’re not going back to work until we come to a resolution, and we get fair compensation,” he said.
Bazan and his colleagues said their work is essential and without them, there’s no justice.
He said interpreters are important because they not only provide services to victims, but also to defendants, judges, attorneys and everyone involved in the process.