TORONTO, May 3, 2024
/CNW/ - Canada's main voice for
freelance workers is thrilled to announce an organizing drive that
will expand the membership of the Canadian Freelance Union beyond
communications workers. The first group to join en masse are
interpreters and translators who work in provincial courtrooms,
health centres, and in the community, members of the Interpreters
and Translators Unit (ITU).
The freelance workforce has grown considerably, encompassing a
diverse array of talented individuals contributing their skills and
expertise to various sectors. However, alongside this growth,
freelance workers face numerous challenges, including precarious
working conditions, lack of benefits, and insufficient
protections.
"We are excited to welcome ITU-CFU into our union family," said
Nora Loreto, President Canadian
Freelance Union "Their decision to join us reflects a shared
commitment to promoting fairness, equality, and dignity in the
workplace. Together, we will strive to create a more equitable and
sustainable future for all freelance interpreter and translator
professionals."
Recognizing the importance of solidarity and collective action,
freelance interpretation and translation workers have united under
the banner of Interpreters and Translators Unit - Canadian
Freelance Union (ITU-CFU) to address these issues
head-on. By joining forces with our union, they gain access to a
powerful support network dedicated to advocating for their rights
and improving working conditions.
Through this partnership, freelance Interpreters and translation
workers can now enjoy a range of benefits, including:
- Access to health and insurance plans, and other essential
benefits.
- Collective action to improve working conditions and fair
compensation.
- Grievances support
- Interpreters ID passes
"I pursued the dream of unionizing because I believe the
challenges facing Freelance interpreters affect not only
interpreters' equitable pay, working conditions, professional
status, and accreditation credentials, but also the population we
serve," said Mahassen Mahmoud,
Conference and Court interpreter for the Arabic language
"Interpreters and translators support so many fields, legal,
medical, social services, and different types of communication
avenues. We are thousands across Canada and joining the Canadian Freelance
Union/Unifor is a breakthrough for our profession".
This historic collaboration underscores the growing momentum
behind efforts to strengthen protections and improve conditions for
freelance workers nationally. As the gig economy continues to
evolve, it is imperative that we uphold the principles of justice
and solidarity to ensure that all workers are treated with the
respect and dignity they deserve.
This is just a start. Freelancers of all kinds are encouraged to
join the CFU. CFU is a leading advocate for freelance workers'
rights and fair labor practices and proudly announces the
integration of freelance Interpretation and translation workers
into the union. This momentous occasion marks a significant step
forward in the ongoing mission to empower and protect the rights of
freelance professionals across industries.
The Canadian Freelance Union, a community chapter of Unifor,
focuses on advancing rights and working conditions for freelancers
in the communications and media industries. Whether you're a
writer, an artist, a photographer, a videographer, a web designer,
or working on anything else media, together we are stronger.
Our members benefit from personalized contract mediation,
comprehensive health insurance, press cards for eligible union
members, and more.
SOURCE Unifor