Notice:

Candidates have requested that the below distribution be made to you via our website.   CFI does not endorse candidates for its offices. This distribution is not an endorsement of a candidate by CFI, nor is CFI responsible for the content of the candidate's campaign literature.

Questions or comments should be directed to the candidate’s email address.

Executive Board Statements

President Position

Begonya De Salvo

Dear Colleagues:

I am Begonya De Salvo, and I humbly ask you to vote for me as your new Union President.

Our current Union leaders have done an abysmal job.

They have kept substandard financial records, excluded members from union participation, weakened the union's bargaining position during the pandemic, and have not complied with labor election laws.

Examples:

■ The Union has not disclosed proper financial statements since 2019, and failed to issue "Income and Expense Declarations" four out of the last five years. Union President Michael Ferreira and the other union executives bear responsibility for this appalling recordkeeping. Please read the email statement of Gloria Lindemann, my running mate for Secretary-Treasurer, for more details.

■ Region 2 interpreters are up in arms over the Union's subversion of rank-and-file participation – and allege that President Ferreira and Vice President Janet Hudec excluded their elected representative from contract bargaining, "contrary to Union bylaws and past practice." These allegations are serious – and illustrate the chasm between Union leadership and rank-and-file interpreters.

 ■ President Ferreira and VP Hudec endorsed an outspoken anti-vaxer for "Lead Steward for Region 1." This person is no longer an employee and the steward position now remains unfilled. How can management take us seriously in negotiations when a main player refused to comply with the vaccine mandate and opposed widespread vaccination so critical to workplace safety? 

 ■ President Ferreira and VP Hudec entered into a temporary agreement with the administration that surrendered, until August 2022, all bargaining power during the pandemic. It has now handicapped our efforts to obtain "hero pay" for the health hazards we risked while working in court during the pandemic – even as other court and county employees receive such bonuses. The Union made this decision unilaterally, without consultation from the membership. 

 ■ President Ferreira and VP Hudec excluded me – a Union steward – from "Meet and Confer" negotiations for telework. I was an early advocate for telework – but Ferreira and Hudec claimed I was "not experienced enough" to join the bargaining. But Union leaders have shown that their "experience" doesn’t come hand in hand with good judgment.

■ Ferreira missed the deadline for filing his election statement – and then the election board (comprised of fellow executives) granted him an unwarranted extension. The Union bylaws provide no grounds for bending election rules in such a way.

■ Union leaders have illegally refused to release to me a list of all CFI members – in violation of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act, 29 U.S.C. § 481(c). Under this federal law, I have the right to obtain this information, to enable me to reach out to Union members and campaign. For more on how Union leaders are flouting the labor election law, see my website, www.begonyadesalvo.com.

Rank-and-file members are awakening. Members who have never voted before in a union election, or who in the past haven't paid much attention, are going to have a say in our upcoming election. 

We should no longer tolerate this terrible leadership.

Enough is enough. Use your voice and make it heard by voting them out. Vote for my slate, vote for the New Union: Gabriela Mejia for Vice President, Gloria Lindemann for Secretary-Treasurer, and me as your new President – leaders who welcome all voices and who believe in transparency and inclusion.

Very truly yours,

Vice-President Position

 Janet Hudec

An Interview with Janet Hudec  

1. Why are you running for re-election?

I am running for re-election for various reasons. Primarily to be part of the solution. I want to continue fostering healing from the past, strengthen our unity, empower our stewards and rank and file members, promote teamwork, nourish and encourage new leaders. 

During these past 2 years I have served as an ambassador for our profession. I have the experience and the understanding of the history of our collective journey as interpreters. I passionately believe in this profession and I am always looking for ways to protect and improve it. I am acutely aware of the issues interpreters face at a state, regional, and local level. I am a visionary who is also cognizant of the problems that may arise in the future and know how to lead the Local into future.

2. Why do you think you are the best candidate for the job?

I am the best candidate for the Vice Presidency because I believe that through strong leadership, transparent practices, team collaboration, accountability, and a responsive Union that intelligently and effectively attends to labor representation of its members will make CFI stronger than it has ever been.

I am always willing to listen to anybody, anytime, regardless of opinion. I have a proven record of vigorously advocating, representing, and enforcing the MOU and labor law. I am servant-hearted, hard working, honest, compassionate, trustworthy, team player, and a visionary.  I will work to ensure that our members are represented at all levels. I am not afraid to take a strong stand and tell it like it is when necessary, particularly to court administrators. I bring strong determination and passion to our tireless efforts.

3. During your tenure as Vice President, what have been your accomplishments?

During my tenure I have had many accomplishments. I have prevailed in grievances, unfair labor practices, stopped furloughs, and had success in legislation advocacy. I teamed up with Carmen Ramos to negotiate Covid-19 safety protocols and the restructuring of our budget. But I have also had set backs. 

My biggest accomplishment has been helping my fellow colleague and seeing that in a small way, I was able to make a difference.

4. What is your vision for the Local?

As linguistic professionals, we make a difference, we change lives and outcomes. Although there are differences that separate us, I believe we can still achieve our common goals. Unity is not sameness. Unity is teamwork through collaboration and the respect of our diversity. Greater vigilance is always needed against the forces attacking and undermining our Labor Union and the constitutional right to equal access that jeopardize the civil rights of linguistic minorities. 

I envision a thriving Union where mutual respect among professionals coupled with the accountability that recognizes the distinct interest of each member. Regardless of our opinion, stance, or differences— we are ill-serve when short-sighted motives trumps the steadfast commitment of putting our members interest first.   

5. What are some of the issues that the Local will be facing in the future?

VRI will be an ongoing issue for years to come and I foresee that Judicial Council will be busy trying to pass laws that will allow the broader use of VRI. Courts new approach on VRI and their plan to do away with the stipend when doing VRI in-house. We have a large generation of Interpreters approaching retirement and that will affect staffing levels. Courts continued efforts to discourage employment. Outsourcing. Courts refusal to cross assign across regions. Bargaining. Interpreter Act fixes. Budget/funding. 

Vote Janet Hudec for Vice President. 

Gabriela Mejia 

Dear colleagues,

A couple of weeks ago I decided to open my HOME to a group of colleagues who were excited not just about getting together but to get to know us, the slate that is working very hard to be the NEW UNION.

I decided to open the doors of my home as a symbolism of one of our proposals, to have an Open-door policy, to be inclusive of our members regardless of them being independent or staff and most of all: TRANSPARENCY!

We will be will be absolutely transparent in each and every move and transaction we make. Everything will always be available for our members to see whenever they need or want to.

As your VP, I will support the President in making things happen, and I will continue to reach out to interpreters throughout the state to make sure that their voices are heard and that the things that are important to them are the things that the Union leadership make happen, always with our members interests’ first and with transparency.

Networking is a vital component, not only for the campaign but something that we want to implement from now on. An informed member, makes better decisions and that is why we strongly believe that a Newsletter that comes out periodically and consistently is vital. In our newsletter we will make sure to emphasize the idea of a strong and transparent communication with all our members, communication that will flow in both directions and is easy, open and transparent.

I would be honored to be a servant to the members, I will be there to make their collective ideas come to fruition and  help lead a transition to a more interactive and approachable union that they feel is their own.

Information is power! An informed person is in a much better position to get what he/she wants, I will make sure that it happens. 

Along with Presidential candidate Begonya de Salvo and Secretary Treasurer candidate Gloria Lindemann I am sure we will make the difference that all interpreters want in a Union, YOUR Union, a Union that is not just a few names, a Union that makes you feel that you belong, where you will be included, protected and will be able to give your opinion, agreements and yes, also disagreements, which together we can work on to make this concept not just an abstract one, but a reality.

Together we are better, VOTE! 

I am a person of moral integrity, honesty, transparent and most of all open to new ideas and positive criticism.

Trust me with your vote and I promise I will not disappoint you.

Respectfully,

Gabriela Mejia
VP Candidate

 Silvia San Martin

Testimonials

 “The pandemic put every aspect of our lives into perspective. Our safety was always TOP priority for Silvia. I am voting for her because I have no doubt that she will devote her relentless intensity and drive to improving our working conditions, educating the public and court staff, advocating for fair compensation, expanding support for our union, and coalescing existing members toward one common goal.” Vanessa W., member.

 “Silvia is determined and not afraid to speak her mind. An excellent interpreter who always acts with professionalism and respect.” Gaby V. 

 “Tenacious. Relentless when it comes to fighting for interpreters’ compensation, benefits and working conditions.” Ana F.

 “Silvia has brought change as well as a greater sense of unity.” Sylvia J.

I have served alongside Silvia for the past few years. Silvia is dedicated, professional, and astutely informed in regards to our member's concerns. Silvia's diplomatic approach and level-headedness has served our organization well in these challenging times. I can't think of a better candidate. 
Alejandro González, Steward – Riverside

I’m very happy that Silvia is running for VP. As R4 representative she committed to improving the working conditions of every county, even remote ones like mine where she built a relationship never before had with both membership and administration. The stewards meetings she implemented keep us informed of struggles and triumphs while creating unity. She is dedicated, trustworthy and inclusive to the voices of others. 
Esther Neblina, Steward – Imperial County

Nancy Wilson, Steward - San Bernardino

Silvia has great insight into the issues pertaining to interpreter and language access matters. She has always been ready to build relationships and consensus with members and court administration. She is a champion for the rights of interpreters, has the ability to see things from different perspectives, and is open to dialogue and new ideas. Knowing Silvia for almost twenty years, I can say that she is not power-hungry. Silvia does not care for the spotlight and values, in fact, expects input from others in an open, democratic manner. 
Gemma Yosick, Steward – San Diego

Beyond a doubt, Silvia is the best candidate for VP. I have worked alongside Silvia for many years and have witnessed firsthand her hard work and dedication. Volunteering countless hours for the difficult and demanding positions of steward, bargaining committee member and Region 4 Representative, she has proven to be an intelligent advocate. CFI needs union officers with heart, who serve with integrity and solidarity and strive to reach consensus based on democratic processes and genuine cooperation.  
Rebeca Vera, Steward – San Diego

I worked closely with Silvia San Martín on the CFI board and wholeheartedly endorse her for Vice President. Silvia raises the bar with the education, nuanced approach based on experience, and equitable values she brings to the table. Silvia knows that truth isn’t optional. Her deeply-held democratic values not only translate into a membership-driven approach, but are essential to any functioning, successful union. Silvia is tireless in the pursuit of better working conditions and will help us preserve and elevate our profession. 
Kristina Ramsey, previous R2 Representative

I have endorsed Silvia San Martín because she´s done things with Region 4 that have never been done before. She has united stewards, increased membership, formed strong working relationships with administrators, and improved working conditions. I haven´t met anyone more dedicated than Silvia. If you want to see our profession flourish, join me and VOTE for Silvia San Martín for Vice President.   
Jackie Ruiz, upcoming R4 Representative

Because circles tend to expand 

 Secretary-Treasurer Position

Carmen Ramos

Dear Members,

I have been a steward, mobilizer and activist since 2012.  CFI achieved a substantial improvement in working conditions in Santa Clara County, including the implementation of Team Interpreting and the removal of a tyrannical Manager that harassed interpreter employees and broke the MOU routinely.  I forged strong alliances with the Santa Clara Legal and Labor Community, which eventually led to hiring our attorney, Laurie Burgess, who currently assists us in Bargaining for all Regions.  I was also able to mobilize Independent Contractors in Santa Clara Court, which led to a substantial wage increase in Region 2. I have drawn media attention to our struggles in R2 and R3.   I filed a grievances that have disclosed the enormous waste of public funds as a result of the ludicrous allocation budget implemented by the Judicial Council on July 1, 2021.

I have an “outside the box” way of strategizing all issues I have taken on, I am extremely aggressive in my approach of fighting the Courts in their Union bashing methods used to keep our wages down. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Janet Hudec, VP,  and I negotiated health and safety agreements with each of the R3 and R2 Courts.  We were able to get Administrative paid leave for IPT interpreters at the onset of the pandemic in R2, and an extension of COVID-19 extended sick leave in other courts.  

This is my first term in a position of leadership at CFI,  and I am committed to finish the projects we set out to complete, many of which got derailed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, among them:

1. Continuing to work on Legislation to reform the Interpreter Act so we can get out from under the Judicial Council's toxic grasp.

2. More training a recruitment of stewards.

3. Hiring a state wide business Representative, now that I have accomplished to have a healthy Legal Defense Fund and Strike Fund to assist us with Bargaining and enforcing our MOU.

4. Continue with providing free classes for continuing education, instead of having a costly, in person conference.

CFI needs the expertise of seasoned stewards and union officers to lead the way, and I am committed to keep training our new stewards so they have the ability to take charge of  Local in the future. We are facing serious battles are the bargaining table, and we are in the middle of negotiations in R2. A change of horses in the middle of the race, would be disastrous. 

I was the Chairperson on the R3 negotiations. Our bargaining was done in record time, 2 and a half months. We have a 25% stipend in Region 3, which has allowed the members that are performing VRI to do so under set guidelines. Our members that have consistently preformed VRI have gotten a substantial wage increase which is building on their pension. 

I have also been able to accomplish a very healthy budget: we have a strike fund, and legal defense fund, and a healthy reserve for wages and operational needs. Our Local is paying our bills timely, and is compliant with Department of Labor guidelines 100%, and is able to offer continuing education classes for our members at no cost to them.

The budget is posted in our members only section for your review, and you will see that I have turned our financials around. When I took office, I ordered a complete audit of the Local, and have steered our finances around so we can afford Attorneys at our Bargaining Table.  Pasted below, are the links to the media coverage I have accomplished for CFI.

I respectfully ask for your vote so I continue to serve our Local.

In Unity,

Carmen Ramos, current Secretary-Treasurer

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/south-bay/santa-clara-county-court-interpreters-may-strike-over-pay/2735911/  

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/court-interpreters-claim-severe-staffing-shortage-in-santa-clara-county/1995309/   

Gloria Lindemann

Dear colleagues,

My name is Gloria Lindemann, and I am running for the position of Secretary-Treasurer.

I believe that a true leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way. The key to successful leadership is demonstrating wisdom, dedication and motivation in every action. It is certainly not about titles and positions, flow of command or flowcharts but the ability to influence others by displaying transparency, accountability, and inclusion.

 we have often been silent and complacent, unwilling to become involved because we believed that we were doing fine and that if it does not affect us personally, it’s not so important. But how can we aim to be better, to be the best that we can be unless we are challenged at some point. I personally enjoy a good challenge. Many great colleagues have complained and left the Union because they have felt excluded. They have felt excluded from important negotiations, they have felt excluded because they felt their voices didn’t matter. The truth is we haven’t been able to meet standards of service and expectations. However, Budgeting, forecasting, Planning, and disclosing are vital to have a financially healthy organization. I want to have an audit at least once a year, and a quarterly Profit &Loss review. 

I checked our website to look at our financial situation and was very surprised to see that we only have one-year disclosed: 2019. We are at the end of 2021, and we only have budget projections for 2020 and 2021. 

In my opinion, any organization with such large membership should have quarterly statements published and have available at least 3 years of financials. In our case we are missing “Income & ExpenseDeclarations” for: 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021. This situation shows that we haven’t been able to keep up with our financials. 

When was the last audit performed? Why didn’t we get a copy? Is it because they have not been performed? Or is it because they are simply not disclosed? We have requested the Union their financials and we have only been provided guidance to look at the members only web site, and what we have in there is only one-year Income & Expense Declaration [2019]; Budget projections for 2020, and 2021, no further information has been provided.

Please take a look at our 2019 year Income and Expense declaration –

Would you like to have more information? Always ask questions, stay informed! Transparency and Accountability matter. 

I firmly believe that the depth and breadth of my experience makes me a worthy choice for the position of Secretary-Treasurer. A New Union is possible. 

Very truly yours,

Gloria Lindemann 

Region 4 Bargaining Committee Candidates

Alejandro Gonzalez

Thank you in advance for your consideration,

Alejandro Gonzalez

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Esther Neblina

Hello, my name is Esther Neblina.  I’ve been a staff interpreter in Imperial County and CFI member for over eight years, and steward since March of 2020, right before the pandemic became official.  We are a rural county with constant staffing issues and were one of the few California courts that did not implement a lockdown nor working remotely off-site in the spring or summer of 2020.  Negotiating safe working conditions, supplies and equipment as well as how to counteract our continuous understaffing issues have made for a very intense twenty months. Even before the pandemic hit, our working conditions had begun deteriorating. This in addition to the issues we’re all facing region and statewide with VRI and telephonic interpreting, as well as the perception of our position as court employees is why I am asking for your support to be part of our R4 Bargaining Committee.  

If elected to our Bargaining Committee, it would be my first time participating in that capacity.  I was able to attend as an observer once during the negotiations of our current MOU and had the privilege to see the team in action.  It is a lot of work!  But in addition to my sixteen years as a court interpreter, I’ve held a variety of positions in the last thirty years in our field, either as staff or self-employed (translator, conference and media interpreter, teacher/trainer, service coordinator, etc.).  I have a Master’s in Advanced Translation and Interpretation Studies, but more importantly, I have experience in drafting proposals, statistics for budgeting purposes, program management, record-keeping, etc., and because of my regular contact and participation in our steward calls, am up to speed with all issues faced in Region 4.  If elected to CFI R4’s bargaining committee, I’d look forward to working hard for our working conditions and the overall benefit of our region and profession.  

Thank you for your consideration.

Esther Neblina

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Jacqueline Ruiz

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Silvia San Martin

All counties (no matter how small) should be represented at bargaining, which means all five counties where we currently have employees (Imperial, OC, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego) should have a seat at the negotiating table—same as Admin. In my eyes, the best bargaining committee needs to be a representation of who we all are, how we got here, and what we want: our past, present, and into the future. So, the right combination of accumulated experience and innovation will likely be the key to success in our upcoming negotiations.

Many lessons have been learned in San Diego in the past two years or so, as your local CFI team which I’ve been proud to lead has been able to establish an approach that has proven quite fruitful: Solid grievances won in a row and an honest dialogue based on integrity and credibility may have triggered recent changes from management, which we welcome. It will likely help put us in a better place just in time to announce the opening of bargaining. 

I was a newcomer during the last round of negotiations, and I can tell you that for the first few weeks all I could do was watch and listen in silence (at times almost in horror), and that by the end of it all I, too, wanted to scream. Negotiations are not easy. There’s a high price for every mistake made. And everything is at stake: Our wages. Our working conditions. The recognition of our dear profession. Our future.

It will be an honor to represent San Diego´s interests in the next round of negotiations and those of R4 if I earn your vote. Having been not only a Steward but also the Regional Representative twice has given me ample opportunity to listen to different perspectives from all counties, learn from the very best, find my own voice, and strategize. I do feel ready, knowledgeable, and capable of contributing to our 2022 negotiations for a new, more perfect MOU. 

Please vote.   

Silvia San Martín

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Read the full article

EXECUTIVE BOARD CAMPAIGN STATEMENTS

PRESIDENT POSITION – CAMPAIGN STATEMENT

1. We want HERO PAY because we are essential workers and risk our lives in the line of duty.
2. We want a SIX-FIGURE SALARY because that should be the base and not the ceiling. It is time to close the 40-year pay gap.
3. We want PEACE OF MIND with a decent pension plan that gives us a comfortable retirement, not one that forces us to keep working well into our seventies. 

• I filed and personally signed a grievance against the Court. 
• I filed a Cal/OSHA complaint.
• I filed a SECOND Cal/OSHA complaint on behalf of our Union colleagues, assisting the attorney and Cal/OSHA investigators with identifying witnesses and putting together a timeline of events. Cal/OSHA found the Superior Court at fault and fined the court $25,000.
• I reached out to the media, and wrote and distributed press releases on behalf of the Union. I gave media interviews to advocate for telework for ALL at-risk interpreters, and for those with dependents. These communications were crucial to our cause. 

 VICE-PRESIDENT POSITION – CAMPAIGN STATEMENTS

1. An Annual Conference that will be better like ever before! We need a conference from which you will walk out feeling included, with a sense of community, being able to network with other colleagues (staff and independents), with 30 CIMCE credit units presented by top colleagues. It will address important aspects of our career that go beyond knowledge, personal growth, and enrichment. This conference will include workshops on mental health that will help us cope with our daily and sometimes work-related struggles with real applicable methods for achieving the best results in our professional as well as in our personal life.

2. A Mentorship and an Outreach Program to increase membership. I believe in inclusiveness, and the only way to get more members is by creating engaging programs, and events where every voice is counted. Our independent colleagues need to be included as well as our new interpreters, and the best way to do this is by promoting a mentorship and an outreach program to spark their interest. We can also create a Newsletter for the membership so we can all be informed and participate.    

 
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Garvey
 
As I reflect on the history of our Local— origins, the path taken by our grassroots organizers, struggles, achievements, victories, failures— I am convinced that together we can renew, reinvigorate, and continue building a stronger Union by electing visionary leaders who understand our past in order to lead us into the future. 
I am that leader. I have a vision for our local that goes beyond what has been the past practice. I have been taught by the grassroots leaders who have shaped our profession’s identity. I have the backbone and moral understanding to continue leading us forward. I picture my vice presidency as affording a focal point of leadership to foster greater participation from new members of the Executive Board, as well as, engaging the diverse and talented rank-and-file membership that make up this local. My intention is to continue to promote a healthy democratic processes, transparency, and work product that will move our membership from ennui to activism across the labor and social justice movement. 

Here are a few items in my agenda for the next two years:

 
>Empower and continue growing our steward network. Stewards are our frontline representatives and the heart of our Union. I will continue to promote, support, assist, and schedule trainings for our Stewards; either directly and through our regional delegates. Building up our Steward network is key to a healthy and thriving Union.
 
>Continue supporting all bargaining committees. Bargaining is the most stressful undertaking of any Union. In my role as Vice President, I will continue to provide support with strategies, mobilization, budgetary data, Judicial Council reports,  media connections, and anything else a bargaining team needs to make negotiations a success. 
 
>Continue enforcing our MOUs and Interpreter Act- Not enforcing our MOUs and Laws undermines our Union.
 
>Continue fighting for and strengthening our statewide VRI position and approach.  Since 2014 CFI has had a statewide VRI position and approach. Over the years, that position and approach has been modified and strengthened. In-person interpreting is still preferred over VRI. VRI should be limited to last minute urgent case types in court, should be used to expand language access for court ordered events/programs, and now we have expanded to use of VRI for health and safety emergencies. 
 
>Continue learning and building rapport with TNG and CWA leaders- I have made huge progress in establishing a better relationship and my efforts are paying off. My first accomplishment is the ongoing full reimbursement for CIMCE’s. 

Feel free to contact me if you have questions. 
 
Vote Janet Hudec Vice President and Carmen Ramos Secretary-Treasurer 

 SECRETARY-TREASURER POSITION – CAMPAIGN STATEMENTS 

Candidates' Statements for Executive Board Positions

Statements - Candidates for the President Position

Michael Ferreira

The pandemic has tested this local and our profession, bringing us to the brink of ruin more than any other event in our history. Our local is steadfast and we are looking towards moving forward.

I am asking you to cast your vote for me; I want to continue contributing to the local’s leadership roster. No one person alone makes for a successful, functional local. We need a combination of different individuals, with varied skillsets, knowledge, experience, and a commitment to unionism. Teamwork between board members and between the board and membership is key. 

I have been a steward almost 15 years; a board member (president and vice president) for three terms; and an elected member of my region’s bargaining team. I have represented CFI not only as a delegate at two CWA international conferences, but also on several Judicial Council working groups, also contributing on several legislative projects for the local, and our profession. I know and understand my duties and responsibilities as president, steward, and representative of our local. I embrace them and take them seriously.  

The following are important items to drive forward in the upcoming term and throughout the life of the local:

• Counter the anti-union tactics employed by the Courts and the impact of Janus objectors by creating more opportunities for everyone to participate in attaining goals imperative for both present members and those who have left; increase outreach to new hires who have not made the commitment to “be union.”

• Continue to grow and train the steward base; it is the backbone of any union, and critical given our wide geographic dispersal, with each employer having multiple sites.

• Continue building teamwork and collaborative decision making on the board, and with the membership.

• Improve and amplify partnerships/alliances with the other unionized units our workplace, as well as have a presence and participate in the local labor councils throughout California.

• Put into place standing committees as required by our CWA Constitution and local bylaws, among them a committee to review and offer improvements to the local’s bylaws, and one to track and advise on new technologies coming into the profession, such as linguistic application of artificial intelligence. Basically, guide the local’s policies through a grassroots approach.

• Focus our local’s legislative efforts toward developing and passing legislation to channel VRI into appropriate uses, promote the employee model of delivering language access in the Courts, and move toward a single, statewide general contract for court interpreters.

• Connect with our wider CWA-TNG union international; plug into programs, funding, and movements within the greater union international. 

Begonya De Salvo

My name is Begonya De Salvo, and I am running to be President of the California Federation of Interpreters, Local 39000. 

I am a native of Spain who immigrated here 16 years ago. I began my career as an interpreter in 2009, in Washington, D.C. It was there, in our nation's capital, where my passion for social activism and politics bloomed. I later moved to Los Angeles, and I joined the Superior Court in 2016. I became a union member on my first day of employment. 

I am a solid unionist; it is in my DNA. My grandfather was President of the National Confederation of Workers in Spain and imprisoned by Franco’s government. His commitment has inspired me to fight for the solidarity of our union and seek much-needed improvements in our working conditions, pay, and benefits. 

I have a proven record of getting things done. As a union steward, I led successful efforts to obtain safer working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic: 

• I am the whistleblower who reported to Cal/OSHA the Superior Court's workplace violations of COVID-19 protocols and the deaths of our three colleagues, Sergio Cafaro, Daniel Felix, and Policarpo Chaj. Cal/OSHA investigated and found the Superior Court at fault and fined the court $25,000. 
• I advocated for telework accommodations for court interpreters in order to minimize exposure to COVID-19. We succeeded in obtaining the telework option for all at-risk interpreters and those with dependents. 
• I reached out to news reporters and, our union was
  prominently featured in the media – in newspapers, television, and radio – regarding our fight for safer working conditions. This publicity pressured the Superior Court to take seriously our demands. 
• I helped to successfully lobby against provisions in Senate Bill 241, which sought to increase availability of remote hearings. I persuaded leaders of indigenous peoples to join forces with us to oppose the bill, as remote interpretations may hamper communication with speakers of indigenous languages. We succeeded in having the remote hearing provisions removed from the bill. 

As President, I will seek to re-negotiate our salary so that it fairly reflects our status as interpretation professionals. I also will seek to further improve our working conditions, strengthen communication between union leadership and rank-and-file members, and protect our pension system. 

I also vow that I will uphold the highest ethical standards and transparently lead as your President. 

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Statements - Candidates for the Vice-President Position

Janet Hudec

I am Janet Hudec and I am running for re-election for Vice President. 

I've been working on organizing interpreters and improving our profession since I started working as an employee interpreter in 2011. I've played a lot of parts in this journey— CFI Chair of Nominations, Judicial Council Court Interpreter Advisory Panel (CIAP), member of the California’s Language Access Plan and Implementation Task Force of the Language Access Plan— and I am currently serving on the Advisory Committee on Providing Access and Fairness, Language Access Subcommittee, and Judicial Council Legislative Committee. I have had many accomplishments throughout my journey but my greatest accomplishment has been serving CFI members as Vice President.  

During my tenure as Vice President, and in collaboration with Michael Ferreira and Carmen Ramos, I have been responsible for member representation, legislative and policy issues, and been involved in bargaining in region 3 – achieved 12% wage increase— and currently bargaining in in region 2. My achievements during my Vice President tenure include: obtaining the highest interpreter budget increases ever; obtain $30 million additional money to promote employment; fought hard to defeat harmful legislation; during the pandemic we met and conferred with all courts in region 1, 2, & 3 to obtain PPE and paid leave; obtain telework in various courts; successfully fought furloughs in region 2 and 3; successfully won grievances regarding work conditions, VRI, cross assignments, use of non-certs over certified, and refusal to offer employment. Won unfair labor practices over courts refusal to provide contractor expenditures, courts refusal to confer regionally over pandemic impacts, and about to go to trial against the courts on 4 more ULPs. I fought for members to get free CIMCE’s through CFI and succeeded in getting CWA to reimburse the ongoing cost.  

I am very hard working and dedicated to our collective success of all interpreters. I am knowledgeable with the legislative process, state budget, interpreter budget, state interpreter expenditures, the interpreter act, all 4 MOU’s, and other labor laws. I understand state, regional, and local issue that affect our profession. I am a visionary with a focus in improving our working conditions, livable wage, strengthening representation, and promoting a healthy future. 

I pledge my solidarity and ask for your vote to continue to work rebuilding this union. Together, we can do better. Vote for me Janet Hudec Vice President, Michael Ferreira for President, and Carmen Ramos for Secretary-Treasurer.  

Gabriela Mejia 

I am Gabriela Mejia, and I am running for the Vice-Presidency of the California Federation of Interpreters, alongside Presidential Candidate Begonya De Salvo. 

Originally from Uruguay, I had always dreamed of living in the US. I studied hard to become fluent in English so that when the dream became a reality, I knew my ideal job – interpreter. I immediately enrolled in an Interpretation Program at Union County College in Cranford, New Jersey, and since then, it has been my life.

Fast forward to now, and I have been an interpreter for 24 years. As a passionate learner, I have never stopped developing my skills and accreditations. I am a Federally Certified Court Interpreter (FCCI) in Spanish, Certified in the State of California and New Jersey to Master level.

I know the profession intimately and passionately, having worked across a range of positions and various institutions. My long career has included:

- Working at the Superior Court of New Jersey and the Superior Court of California

- An interpreter in numerous fields and specialties, including medical, criminal, forensic, depositions and arbitrations

- A worldwide conference interpreter

- President of the ATISDA (Association of Translators Interpreters in the San Diego Area)

I feel strongly about my role and care about those in my field. Therefore, I constantly strive to improve our status as professionals and an essential part of the workforce. 

I share a similar vision and dreams with Presidential Candidate Begonya De Salvo – to strengthen the union and drive beneficial change for members.  

Being Vice President is the challenge my 24-year career path has been building towards. My integrity, knowledge, and experience are integral parts of my leadership capabilities. 

Begonya and I will strengthen our great Federation, improving working conditions and prospects through communication and strength of purpose.

Silva San Martin 

Region 4, mostly employees, has grown strong during the last three years I have been Representative: We were first to introduce monthly steward calls, which has allowed us to become highly independent and organized. This practice was later adopted by other regions due to its success. Our membership is up, anti-unionism down, and our progress shows almost everywhere. The mics are always on in R4.

Those who know me will tell you that I offer and expect genuine dialogue. This is the approach I bring in during conversations with colleagues and Admin. Much has been resolved or is being discussed at management level in my area, including working conditions, VRI, and assigned space in the courtrooms. I don’t hesitate to file grievances when necessary, and with the collaboration of San Diego stewards and Mike we have not lost one since 2019. Goal? Changing the way we are perceived.

My central motivation throughout my career as a contractor, employee and union player has always been the redefinition of the state court interpreter as the professionals we are, through gradual but firm change in the court’s culture. Reality is we have not advanced much during the past fifteen years. What good comes from running to the Governor’s office and requesting more millions, or having a surplus in the Interpreter’s Budget, if we don’t see it in our wages and working conditions? That’s not where the real fight is, and failure to recognize that inevitably results in lousy gains at each negotiating table: The courts always find a way to devalue us. We need a fresh approach: A movement that explores the possibilities of a professional classification system and specializations. Only then will our salaries reflect what we do and who we are. I am committed to fight for exactly that.

Steps needed:

·       Immediate hiring of a Business Representative, voted down repeatedly by current board, yet funds are available.  

·       Reestablishing/Creating committees—not one person in charge: legislative, educational, technological, and social justice are urgent.

·       One VRI approach for California.

·       Reexamination of the decision to expel members for life.

·       Higher dues paid by IGA members for increased benefits.

·       CFI conference in 2022.

The vital step where everything can begin? A board that believes in democratic dialogue, finds time to meet regularly, operates openly, innovates, and is committed to the advancement of our profession, as I do. 

First Endorsement: 

Jackie Ruiz—Next R4 Rep.

Statements - Candidates for the Secretary-Treasurer Position

Carmen Ramos

Dear members,

I decided to continue to serve as Secretary-Treasurer of the Local so I can make sure the changes I proposed, and the current E. Board accepted and implemented, stay in place. Some of my achievements are:

1. A strike fund, which was never instituted as part of the budget in our Local. In my opinion, a strike fund is a core foundation to work actions that will empower the members to mobilize to obtain a fair wage and working conditions. 
2. A Legal Defense fund and a Fluid Legal Fund for Bargaining. The institution of those two items in our budget, has enabled us to fund many charges against the courts for unfair labor practices, arbitrations on unresolved grievances, and a top notch attorney aiding us at the Bargaining Table. 
3. Streamlining of our budget, and necessary cuts in our expenses to achieve a healthy, financially sound Union. When I took office as Secretary-Treasurer, our Local was in the red. I can proudly report our Local is now healthy and sound-thank you to my current E. Board colleagues for their support in achieving this great accomplishment. 
4. Bargaining of Covid-19 safety protocols in Region 2 and Region 3, with Janet Hudec, VP, and the support of Mike Ferreira, our current President.
5. Health and Safety Grievances in LA County with the assistance of Mike Ferreira, President, Janet Hudec, VP, Monica Almada, LA lead steward and future R1 Delegate, Roxana Cardenas, LA Steward.
6. With the help of Maya Fonseca, the lead steward and Chairwoman of our F interpreters in LA Court, we were able to achieve getting health coverage for our F interpreters after LA Court Administration denied them coverage during the pandemic.
7. With the help of VP Janet Hudec, we were able to achieve pay and benefits for IPT interpreters in R2 during the first month of the pandemic emergency order that shut down our courts.

I believe Mike, Janet and I need to stay on as a team, to lead CFI into achieving the goals we have set to reach. COVID-19 was a huge setback for all of us in many ways, but it also taught us that working in unity, we can prevail.  

I respectfully ask you to vote for me to stay on as Secretary-Treasurer, and to give your vote to Mike Ferreira as President, and Janet Hudec as VP.

In Unity,

Carmen Ramos

Gloria Lindemann

My name is Gloria Lindemann, and I am running to be Secretary-Treasurer, of the California Federation of Interpreters, Local 39000, as part of a slate with Presidential candidate Begonya De Salvo.

I am originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. I have been an interpreter for 13 years, and prior to becoming an interpreter I was in business administration and finance, where I worked for international corporations, such as Motorola, and Kodak.

At Kodak, I was assistant to the Director of finance and had the opportunity to travel to different Latin American Countries to assist in many corporate audits and fraud investigations for the Latin American Region. It was a great experience, and a blessing because I visited many different Latin American countries and was able to experience first-hand all the different cultures, and gastronomy that our rich continent has to offer.

I currently work for the Riverside Superior Court, where I’ve been working for almost seven years. Before becoming an employee, I worked as an independent contractor for six years. 

As an immigrant myself I sympathize with the immigrant community and while I was an independent contractor, I enjoyed donating my time and skills in several asylum cases. It fills my heart with joy when I have assisted attorneys who are also working pro-bono for many women escaping violence, and even children. I always strive for excellence no matter how small or how big the task at hand might be. I have experience in all court settings, I have done from a simple traffic ticket, up to murder trials. I LOVE my job and helping others.

I am honest, honorable, hardworking, dependable, and most importantly, I always look out for the best interest of the people that I love.

I share a similar vision and dreams with Presidential Candidate Begonya De Salvo- to strengthen our great Federation, improve working conditions, and seek better pay that is appropriately commensurate with our professional training and experience.

I believe I can be of service to you and our industry, and I would appreciate your vote.

Sincerely,

Gloria Lindemann