American Sign Language interpreters are set to hold an informational picket in Chicago on August 8, seeking better working conditions in the Video Relay Service (VRS) industry. The action will take place outside the headquarters of Ariel Investments, which is the majority owner of Sorenson Communications, one of the largest VRS providers in the United States.
The interpreters are organizing with the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), AFL-CIO. They cite heavy workloads and burnout as ongoing issues that affect both their well-being and service quality for Deaf users who rely on VRS to communicate with hearing individuals.
Krista Romanish, a long-time interpreter, shared her experiences: “I’ve been an ASL interpreter for more than 20 years, 8 of which have been VRS interpreting with Sorenson. I’ve been in physical therapy because of the repetitive strain on my wrists, had to take leave because of the mental exhaustion and abuse, and counseled newer interpreters on best practices to actually stay in VRS because good interpreters keep burning out — all because I know this is an essential service. The Deaf community deserves better, but the only way for VRS to improve is by bringing interpreters to the negotiation table. It’s time Ariel and Sorenson meet with their workers.”
Lisa Blake, vice president at OPEIU who plans to join the picket line, said: “It is time for Ariel Investments and Sorenson Communications to live up to their publicly stated values by meeting with their interpreters who are organizing to address burn out. Sorenson VRS interpreters deserve a voice and seat at the table on decisions affecting them and the VRS users in the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community who rely on their services.”
The union states that while Teleperformance—another major provider—has agreed to labor protections for workers outside of the United States, it has not met with U.S.-based interpreters about these concerns. Interpreters report that unsustainable workloads have made it difficult for many to remain in these positions full-time.
Some organizers say they were fired from previous jobs due to union activity but continue advocating for improvements within both Teleperformance-owned ZP Better Together and private equity-backed Sorenson Communications.
The ASL Interpreters Union/OPEIU represents thousands of VRS interpreters nationwide. The group aims not only to improve working conditions but also enhance service quality for millions of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users across America.
The informational picket will be held at 200 E. Randolph Street, Suite 2900 in Chicago from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m., Central Time.
