Industrial Relations and Sign Language Interpreting / Translation

Sam Riddle studied interpreting at Wolverhampton University, worked in London as a staff interpreter for RAD, and became freelance in 2017.

She joined NUBSLI when it was formed in 2014, before TSLIs were eligible (whoops) then campaigned for the criteria to change, as she strongly believes in fighting to change things for the better; she is now Branch Secretary.

Sam recently completed the European Masters in Sign Language Interpreting and her thesis focused on Industrial Action and the Deaf Community.

This training will give you an overview of how Sign Language Interpreters/Translators fit into Industrial Relations Theory as well as closely examining the systems we work within and the impact this can have on our ability to fulfil our role.

With a greater understanding of the wider context of interpreting provision we can explore mechanisms to resist the downward pressure facing our profession.

Sam’s session helpfully provides some insight into the workings of other forces that result in interpreters finding themselves herded in a particular direction; why we struggle to say no to reduced fees and eroded terms and working conditions and what we can collectively do to protect ourselves individually and as a profession.