Local 888 has kicked off a new Associate Member program that allows workers who are currently not in a position to win collective bargaining rights to gain some of the other benefits of union membership.

[caption id="attachment_6411" align="alignright" width="300"]On Nov. 8, about 30 court interpreters attended their first meeting at Local 888. Most signed up to take advantage of a new Local 888 program that allows independent
contractors who don’t have collective bargaining rights to become associate members of the union.[/caption]

Local 888’s first group of Associate Members is called Interpreters United. Right now about 30 interpreters who work in the courts have signed up.  Eventually Interpreters United may also include interpreters who work in hospitals, other state agencies and anywhere there is a need for their services.

The judicial interpreters are a unique group of professionals with credentials, experience, and a specialized skill set to make possible equal access to justice to those who otherwise could not fairly participate in the many remedies and resources provided by our legal system.

Yet, because they are essentially independent contractors, they don’t have an opportunity to collectively bargain with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Members of Interpreters United are joining our Associate Member program to gain access to Local 888’s communications and political resources and benefit from union organizing skills.

Associate members have a different dues structure and representation rights than full members, but through membership in Local 888, all are welcome to become part of the labor movement!

To find out more, contact myunion@seiu888.org or call 617-241-3300 or visit www.seiu888.org/my-union/become-a-local-888-associate-member