Interpreters union secure campaign victory

Members of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) who work as interpreters have secured a significant step forward in their campaign against low pay and insecure work. 

The workers who provide interpreting services in the NHS, courts and other public services have been demanding changes to their terms and conditions. Currently, they lose out on pay when shifts are cancelled at short notice and without warning but a long running and successful campaign by the union will see  interpreters  receive increased payments if they are subjected to shift cancellations without warning. The union will also be consulted on a new framework for procuring interpreting services.

Mark McHugh the BFAWU organiser said, ‘This is a major step forward for these highly skilled but undervalued workers. They set up a union branch and have campaigned skillfully to bring about the first of what I hope are many positive changes to their pay and conditions. We will continue to support them in their endeavours. The message this gives to all workers is to join a union.’