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ASL interpreters ask CalSTRS to engage Blackstone over Sorensen working conditions
Summary
An ASL interpreter union representative urged CalSTRS to engage with private equity owner Blackstone about working conditions at Sorensen (video relay service), noting interpreters filed an FCC complaint and that CalSTRS holds investments with Blackstone, which the speaker estimated at over $2.3 billion.
During the public‑statements portion of the meeting, Megan McGarry of the ASL interpreter union urged the CalSTRS board to engage with Blackstone and Sorensen about working conditions at the video relay service company Sorensen.
McGarry said the union conducted a health and safety survey in which large majorities of respondents reported work‑related pain and stress, and that interpreters filed a formal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission. She told the board Sorensen’s owner is Ariel and that Blackstone holds a 27 percent stake in the company’s parent; she asked CalSTRS — which she said has "over $2,300,000,000 invested with Blackstone" — to use its investor influence to address working conditions.
Board staff acknowledged receipt of written materials McGarry said she had emailed. No board action was taken during the meeting; McGarry asked for CalSTRS engagement with the Blackstone ownership stake and Sorensen management on interpreters' health and safety concerns.
Next steps: Public commenter requested that staff consider engaging with the investment manager or portfolio company; board staff will note the request for follow up through investment stewardship channels.
