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Bill would let contracted language interpreters bargain missed‑appointment pay
Summary
SB 59 44 would allow independent language‑access contractors who interpret for state agencies to bargain over economic terms including pay for missed or canceled appointments; unions argued the change removes a statutory discrepancy that left L&I interpreters unable to negotiate missed‑appointment compensation.
The committee heard staff briefing and testimony on Senate Bill 59 44, a collective‑bargaining bill for language access providers. Staff explained that language access providers — independent contractors who provide spoken interpretation to state agencies — would have a limited scope of bargaining under the bill covering economic compensation, health and welfare benefits, and related economic matters. The bill would add missed or canceled appointment payments into the bargaining scope.
Katie Durkin (Washington Federation of State Employees) testified in support and said the change fixes a statutory discrepancy that had prevented L&I interpreters from bargaining missed‑appointment compensation. Durkin described interpreters who may drive three hours to an appointment and then be left unpaid and out‑of‑pocket for expenses such as gas; she said the bill ensures interpreters retain the right to bargain the same issues regardless of which agency they serve and urged committee support.
The committee closed the hearing with no questions and no vote taken at the session.
