California Federation of Interpreters (CFI) was originally created by and for court interpreters to advocate for its members in a variety of ways.

Our Union has supported interpreter rights at the bargaining table and fought for the recognition of its members as highly qualified professionals without whom the courts could not effectively function. Our mission is to bring together interpreters of all languages to speak with one voice: the voice of unity, strength and pride. We are committed to justice and equal access to the legal system for all limited English proficient persons.

We began our journey in 1982 as a trade organization named GLAC (Greater Los Angeles Chapter) affiliated with CCIA (California Court Interpreter Association). During this period, the only work for interpreters in the California Superior Court system was as independent contractors. For a decade GLAC successfully represented interpreter interests by negotiating contracts with the Los Angeles Superior Court concerning wage increases and adequate working conditions. Additionally, GLAC provided professional educational services such as annual conferences and workshops.

In January of 1994, GLAC became an independent organization, separating from CCIA. Concurrently it joined forces with BACI (Bay Area Court Interpreters) to create a statewide entity and began efforts to gain employment status for the purposes of full collective bargaining rights. In 1996, GLAC incorporated as California Federation of Interpreters, a Non- Profit Corporation. We began our affiliation with TNG-CWA in 2001, and in 2005, CFI became a permanent part of TNG-CWA as a unit within Local 39521.

In 2003, through TNG-CWA financial and political backing and the sponsorship of then Senator Martha Escutia, court interpreters won basic employment protection and representation rights with the passage of legislative bill SB371, also known as the Trial Court Interpreters Employment and Labor Relations Act. While we became employees at that time, the courts didn’t establish full time positions with benefits until 2005 when we concluded the two years of bargaining that resulted in our first contract with the California Superior Courts, successfully achieving fully benefited employee status.