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aslunion.bsky.social
@aslunion.bsky.social
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https://linktr.ee/aslinterpretersunion
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aslunion.bsky.social
Twin Cities interpreters are joining up at (unionized!) Indeed Brewery in Minneapolis on Friday, April 25, at 6 pm. All are welcome!
Flyer for a union meeting with ASLIU. Background is bright blue. Bold, white text at the top states, "ASLIU UNION MEET UP," followed by, "WE ARE ESSENTIAL." Below that, text describes the meetup takes place on Friday, April 25, at 6:00 PM, at Indeed Brewery located at 711 NE 15th Ave, Minneapolis. The flyer encourages attendees to come discuss how a union could support them. A section titled "HAVE QUESTIONS?" invites individuals to reach out for more information, directing them to social media pages, emphasizing connectivity and accessibility within the community. The bottom of the flyer features images of several individuals from ASLIU, smiling and engaging. The phrase "350+ INTERPRETERS GOING STRONG!" is at the bottom of the flyer.
April 11, 2025 at 1:53 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
Somos los intérpretes y la comunidad sorda de Puerto Rico. Nos comunicamos. Nos reunimos. Crecemos y vamos a lograr una unión.
This image is a vibrant collage showcasing the energy, unity, and determination of ASL interpreters who are actively organizing in support of their union. The individuals in the photos are seen connecting, educating, and empowering one another through community events, outreach, and solidarity. In the top left photo, a person with glasses and a beard proudly holds a flyer for the ASL Interpreters Union while wearing a bright blue and yellow shirt that says “10K” with what looks like a lantern icon. The top center image shows a group of interpreters gathered outside a building at night near a yellow vehicle. They’re smiling, wearing union t-shirts, and standing close together, with one interpreter holding a dog. To the right, another outdoor image shows interpreters engaged in conversation on a grassy lawn. In the middle of the collage, a person with dark curly medium length hair in a red top and glasses sits at a table smiling and holding a book titled “Unite & Win,” which features an illustrated cover of people rallying together. The bottom left image captures three interpreters smiling together, with one holding a brown dog. They appear relaxed and joyful, enjoying one another’s company. Finally, in the bottom right photo, three people stand side by side indoors, smiling and proudly holding printed flyers similar to the one in the first image. They gesture with their hands in signs of solidarity and enthusiasm. The overall tone of this collage reflects a powerful sense of community, mutual support, and collective action among interpreters who are committed to strengthening their field through union organizing.
April 11, 2025 at 1:52 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
The ASLIU team in Tampa met with ITP students to share insight into VRS and how unionizing can help shape a better and more sustainable future in the field. The turnout was incredible! The power of collective action was undeniable—the future of the union and VRS is looking brighter than ever!
This image is a collage of four vibrant photos featuring members of the ASL Interpreters Union tabling and engaging with others at what appears to be an outreach or networking event. The participants are wearing ASL Interpreters Union t-shirts (in both gray and black), each featuring the union’s circular blue logo with white hands signing “UNION” and the acronym “OPEIU” in yellow. Top left photo: A group of five smiling individuals stand behind an information table. The table is set up with a variety of printed materials including flyers, stickers, and QR codes for scanning. A clipboard and a bowl with snacks are also visible. Everyone is making either the “I love you” sign or peace signs. The individuals are standing against a beige wall, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Top right photo: A selfie of four people from the union team, smiling brightly. They are standing close together in front of a plain wall. Two are wearing black shirts, and two are wearing gray shirts. Their expressions reflect energy and unity, and one is holding the phone to capture the moment. Bottom left photo: This wider group shot includes eight individuals—union members and possibly some attendees. They’re all gathered behind the table again, posing and smiling. Several are making the “I love you” sign, a common gesture in the Deaf and interpreting communities. The table in front of them displays the same materials as before, with more detail visible. Balloons in the background suggest a festive or celebratory environment. Bottom right photo: Another selfie-style photo with four individuals. Everyone is smiling enthusiastically. They’re standing indoors, likely near the event entrance, as part of a banner is visible behind them. Their matching shirts and genuine expressions highlight camaraderie and shared purpose.
April 11, 2025 at 1:52 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
ITP students and recent grads—this one’s for you!

Thinking about joining ZP Better Together’s VIA apprenticeship program? Join us for a behind-the-scenes look, hear from interpreters who’ve experienced it firsthand, and learn how to protect your future in VRS.

Register now: bit.ly/VIA-program
The image is a digital flyer promoting an upcoming event hosted by the ASL Interpreters Union. The background is a purple grid pattern with scattered white lightning bolt icons. The design features a mix of white, lavender, and orange-yellow text and accents.At the top left corner, there is a white lightning bolt icon followed by the organization name in white capital letters: “THE ASL INTERPRETERS UNION.” Below that, the event title is displayed in bold capital letters: “VRS APPRENTICESHIP: A LOOK BEHIND THE CURTAIN.” “VRS APPRENTICESHIP:” is in bold lavender. “A LOOK BEHIND THE CURTAIN” is in bold orange-yellow. Centered beneath the title is a light lavender rounded rectangle containing the event time in bold text: “5:30PT / 8:30ET.” Underneath that is a calendar icon followed by the date in white capital letters: “WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16TH.” Below the date is a paragraph in white text: “Join the ASL Interpreters Union for a discussion on what the apprenticeship program actually offers at ZP Better Together!” Toward the bottom, white text reads: “Register here!” followed by the link in white underlined text: “bit.ly/VIA-program” In the bottom right corner, the blue and white circular logo of the ASL Interpreters Union is displayed. It features the words “ASL INTERPRETERS UNION” in white along the top, “OPEIU” in yellow in the center, and two white hands signing “UNION” in the middle of the blue circle.An orange strip runs along the bottom edge of the flyer, adding contrast to the purple background.
April 7, 2025 at 3:33 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
Interpreting in VRS comes at a cost—physically and mentally. Join us on April 10th to hear from VRS interpreters across the country as we discuss health risks in this setting and how we can fight for better conditions and together make VRS sustainable!
The image is a digital flyer for an event organized by the ASL Interpreters Union, addressing health risks associated with Video Relay Service (VRS) interpreting. The flyer has a light gray speckled background with black, blue, and yellow elements. At the top, a long yellow oval-shaped banner spans the width of the image, containing black text that reads “ASL INTERPRETERS UNION.” On either side of the text, there are two small black symbols resembling stars. Below the banner, bold black uppercase text states, “INTERPRETING AT A COST.” To the right of this text, there is a blue doodle of a curved arrow pointing towards the phrase “ADDRESSING VRS HEALTH RISKS,” which is written in large, bold, black uppercase letters. The event details are displayed in blue-outlined rounded rectangles. On the left, one box contains “5PM PT / 8PM ET” in black and blue text. On the right, another box displays the date “10 April 2025” in black. Below the event details, a paragraph in black sentence-case text invites people to join a Zoom event where interpreters from across the U.S. will share their experiences in VRS, discussing trauma, repetitive motion injuries, and how the union can collectively bargain for improved working conditions. At the bottom of the flyer, there is another long yellow oval-shaped banner containing the case-sensitive URL “bit.ly/VRS-Health-Risks” in black text. This banner is flanked by the same star symbols as the top banner. In the lower right corner, a circular blue logo features “ASL INTERPRETERS UNION” in white uppercase text at the top, and “OPEIU” in smaller yellow uppercase text below. Inside the circle, there are two white hands signing “UNION” in ASL. At the bottom of the flyer, in small black text, there is a note that reads ”^ case sensitive.”
April 7, 2025 at 3:29 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
YOU ARE INVITED- Twin Cities Meetup!

Meet other local interpreters, pick up a union t-shirt, and learn about why we're organizing! We'll also have some special guests!

Email us for location information at info@aslunion.org.
A group photo of a diverse group of people. The photo, which takes up the upper portion of the image, shows interpreters wearing dark-colored t-shirts with a graphic/design of hands clasped together. Below the photo, overlaid text announces a "TWIN CITIES MEETUP." The text outlines the event details, specifically the dates (Monday, April 7 and Tuesday, April 8), times, and agenda points, including dinner on Monday and brainstorming and planning sessions Tuesday. The Monday event features an overview of how to win union/workplace disputes and improving/changing current workplace situations. Tuesday features a strategic and approach to brainstorming and mapping out specific solutions. The ASLIU logo is in the bottom right.
April 7, 2025 at 3:28 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
There is strength in unity! ✊🏽 VRS Interpreters are coming together for fair treatment, better working conditions, and a stronger community.
A collage of four photos featuring people wearing shirts with the logo of the “ASL Interpreters Union.” 1. A smiling person with long dark hair wearing a black shirt with the union logo, making the “I love you” sign in American Sign Language. 2. Two people standing in front of a large white building with a dome, likely a government building. The person on the left has dark hair, a grey goatee, black sunglasses and a black and making a peace sign. They are wearing a gray shirt with the union logo. The person on the right is wearing a black shirt with the same logo, has long wavy brown hair, is smiling big and holding up both hands signing “I love you” in American Sign Language. 3. A person with glasses, a soft smile, and long brown and blonde hair, wearing a black shirt with the union logo, also making the “I love you” sign. 4. Two people and a dog. The person on the left is wearing a gray shirt with the union logo, has long brown hair, clear glasses and is smiling. The person on the right is wearing a black shirt with the same logo, has tight curly long hair, and is smiling. The dog is tan with a black face and is wearing a green collar and harness. They are outdoors with trees in the background.
April 7, 2025 at 3:24 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
Calling all interpreting students in Tampa! 📣 Make sure to stop by our table at Faces of the Future to hear more about the ASL Interpreters Union and how we will protect your rights as a VRS interpreter.
Image description: A fun, colorful graphic is advertising a networking event. It reads “Join the ASL Interpreters Union.” The top of the graphic is yellow and the bottom is beige. In the center two logos are displayed with an X in between: on the right is a blue logo for the ASL Interpreters Union with hands signing “UNION” with the acronym “OPEIU” in the center, and the other is a green USF logo with a stylized white bull’s head. There are three blue starburst shapes scattered on the graphic. A lint blue starburst shaped oval on the right contains the text “Networking Event!” Below, it reads: USF Faces of the Future Saturday, 5th April 2025 5PM - 9PM USF Marshall Student Center MSC 2708 Plaza Room 4103 USF Cedar Circle, Tampa, FL 33620
March 29, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Reposted
opeiu.org
“We’ve spent the last year organizing with our fellow interpreters to ensure VRS is the service that it needs to be, not a vehicle for corporate profits,” said Felix Reyes, a VRS interpreter.

Read the full @aslunion.bsky.social release with @cwaunion.bsky.social here: www.opeiu.org/Home/Newsand...
March 27, 2025 at 2:48 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
Live in the Portland OR / Vancouver WA area?

Join our ASLIU meetup at Murrayhill Taphouse on Sunday, April 6! All interpreters, Deaf supporters, and community allies are invited.

Can't wait to see you there 😊

#ASLInterprtersUnion
Graphic flyer for a Portland/Vancouver area meetup at the Murrayhill Taphouse on Sunday, April 6th, from 12-3 PM. Light bites will be available. The image has a light blue background that leads into yellow. The text with details on time and location are placed within a calendar graphic. The ASLIU logo is in the bottom left, and two images of food are on the bottom right.
March 24, 2025 at 2:16 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
Are you in the Salem, OR area? Come join our evening meetup on Monday April 7 at Ike Box! Everyone is welcome. Learn about our ASL Interpreters Union, why we’re organizing, what we can win with a union, & how to get involved.

No prior knowledge or union experience is necessary!
#ASLInterpreterUnion
Digital graphic with a light yellow background. The top has black text that reads, in increasing font size, “Live in or around Salem, Oregon? / Join our ASL Interpreters Union meetup!” Under is the logo for Ike Box, as well as the address: 299 Cottage St. NE Salem, OR. The date is listed: Monday, April 7, 5-7p PT. The bottom has a yellow banner with the ASLIU logo on the bottom left and in black text reads “aslunion.org / @ASLInterpretersUnion.”
March 24, 2025 at 2:14 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
"Two days after Rep.Schakowsky & 22 of her colleagues wrote the FCC demanding accountability for Teleperformance, including accountability for wage increases promised to interpreters in 2023 rulemaking, They announced an across-the-board 4% raise for VRS interpreters. "

aslunion.org/concerted-ac...
Concerted Action Gets the Goods - ASL Interpreters Union
ZP, now owned by Teleperformance, gives an across the board 4% raise two days after ASLIU-OPEIU mobilized our allies in Congress to raise the stakes for the French multinational. It shows that our uni...
aslunion.org
March 17, 2025 at 6:37 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
Tras nuestra exitosa conferencia de prensa, Sorenson publicó un comunicado que contenia múltiples inexactitudes.

Es esencial abordar estas alegaciones y brindar claridad sobre las realidades que enfrentan los intérpretes de VRS.
March 17, 2025 at 6:31 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
Immediately following our energizing press conference in front of the FCC on Feb 26, Sorenson responded to outreach from the Daily Moth with inaccuracies. We're taking time to respond.
A digital graphic. The graphic's title, "Holding Sorenson Accountable," is in black text at the top. A section of text below the title explains that, following a successful press conference, Sorenson released a statement containing multiple inaccuracies. Further text emphasizes the necessity of addressing these misrepresentations to clarify the realities faced by Video Relay Service (VRS) interpreters. Several small, framed photographs are interspersed throughout the text block. These show a press conference with VRS interpreters. A smaller photograph, positioned near the bottom right, features two interpreters, and the text "Union Strong!" is written in cursive underneath. A button labeled "SWIPE <<<<" is situated in the lower right-hand corner. A digital graphic. The graphic's title, "Holding Sorenson Accountable," is in black text at the top. A claim is listed: "It is not true that Sorenson only allows 5 seconds between interpreting calls. We have a mandatory minimum of 15 seconds between each call.” A response is listed: "While the interpreting platform does include a built-in 15-second transition time, this safeguard is undermined by persistent technical issues—some of which occur as frequently as every call. Whether the break is 8, 15, or even 30 seconds, these timeframes are insufficient for interpreters to recover physically and mentally between calls. The lack of meaningful recovery time has been linked to an increase in disability claims, chronic health conditions, and even premature deaths among VRS interpreters." A button labeled "SWIPE <<<<" is situated in the lower right-hand corner. A digital graphic. The graphic's title, "Holding Sorenson Accountable," is in black text at the top. A claim is listed: “There are 5 VRS companies in the marketplace, not 2.” A response is listed: "This statement ignores market realities. Sorenson and ZP collectively handle the overwhelming majority of VRS calls, leaving the remaining three companies with a minimal share. The fifth and newest addition to the market, Bond Communications, Inc., is not currently offering public VRS services and only just received conditional certification from the FCC." A button labeled "SWIPE <<<<" is situated in the lower right-hand corner. A digital graphic. The graphic's title, "Holding Sorenson Accountable," is in black text at the top. A claim is listed: “Interpreters have received 8 pay increases in 2 years—this is unprecedented in the industry.” A response is listed: "This statement is objectively false. We call on Sorenson to release transparent wage data if they wish to stand by this statement." A button labeled "SWIPE <<<<" is situated in the lower right-hand corner.
March 17, 2025 at 6:22 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
Movements against private equity have stretched into workplaces. One example of labor organizing against private equity bosses below involves VRS workers who support communication for the Deaf. Private equity firms own the two main VRS companies, Sorenson & ZP

truthout.org/articles/pri...
Private Equity Firms Tighten Stranglehold on US, Angling for Boons Under Trump
Private equity has fingers in our homes, hospitals and jobs. Resisting it is crucial to our fight for a just society.
truthout.org
March 12, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Reposted
opeiu.org
Thank you, @schakowsky.house.gov, for your support of @aslunion.bsky.social and the entire Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. #SolidarityForever
schakowsky.house.gov Rep. Jan Schakowsky @schakowsky.house.gov · Mar 12
This week, I sent a letter to @FCC with 22 of my colleagues concerned about deteriorating quality of a program that helps deaf Americans make phone calls.

This community deserves high quality service and ASL interpreters deserve good working conditions and competitive wages.
March 12, 2025 at 7:55 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
VRS users, interpreters, & community members ask: How will continued adoption of VRS impact VRS? We need a union to avoid being left in the dark!

Let's discuss an approach to AI that works for interpreters & the Deaf community- Join us!

Wednesday, March 19
5:30p PT/8:30p ET
bit.ly/ASI-in-VRS
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A graphic poster or announcement for a meeting/webinar focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Video Relay Services (VRS). The title, "AI in VRS," is prominently displayed in large, bold, sans-serif typeface. Below the title, a series of questions are presented: * "What does AI mean for VRS interpreters?" * "What does AI in VRS mean for VRS users?" * "What would the conversation about AI look like if we had a union in place?" Further down, the date and time of the scheduled event are given: "Wednesday, March 19 5:30p PT/8:30p ET." A URL for more information is also included : "bit.ly/Al-in-VRS." An image of a robot head/figure, styled in a modern, somewhat futuristic way, is featured in the lower portion of the graphic. The robot is a light gray/white color. The ASLIU logo is placed in the upper right corner. The background color is a dark, neutral shade contrasted by yellow-gold band beneath the questions and below the robot figure.
March 12, 2025 at 10:13 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
We filed a complaint with the FCC because service quality in VRS has been a problem for too long. Our union is taking on this issue.

Read the complaint: docs.google.com/document/d/1...
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Graphic with a white background. The top left has the ASLIU logo. The top right reads in black font, “We filed a complaint with the FCC.” Under in black font reads, “VRS service quality is failing users. Our union is organizing to improve VRS.” A blue banner at the bottom includes white text that reads, “‘My station freezes and crashes at least 3 times a week in the middle of calls. I have had multiple Deaf people connect at once (unintentionally) on multiple occasions. Probably 5-10 times a day a deaf caller’s call will connect but there will be no video.’” Under reads, “Read the complaint. Link in caption.”
March 12, 2025 at 10:06 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
What have you heard about VRS? About being an interpreter? About the service you receive as a VRS user?

Sound off in the comments with other myths!
Slide 1: A graphic titled "LET'S UNPACK" featuring a lightbulb icon on the left and right. The graphic is divided into two columns, labeled "MYTH" and "FACT." The left column (MYTH) is a mustard yellow color and states: "VRS interpreters make high incomes and have great benefits." The right column (FACT), a light blue color, states: "Most VRS interpreters are underpaid and do not receive PTO, sick time off, or health insurance." An arrow separates the two columns. A "Next >>" button is at the bottom right of the image. Slide 2: A graphic titled "LET'S UNPACK" featuring a lightbulb icon on the left and right. The graphic is divided into two columns, labeled "MYTH" and "FACT." The left column (MYTH) is a mustard yellow color and states: “VRS interpreters can request for a team to be added to the call at anytime.” The right column (FACT), a light blue color, states: "Tech issues or long queues often makes this impossible. Interpreters are closely tracked to make sure they don’t team “too much” which is in direct conflict with industry standards.” An arrow separates the two columns. A "Next >>" button is at the bottom right of the image. Slide 3: A graphic titled "LET'S UNPACK" featuring a lightbulb icon on the left and right. The graphic is divided into two columns, labeled "MYTH" and "FACT." The left column (MYTH) is a mustard yellow color and states: “Interpreters are machines capable of processing call after call without any impact to their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.” The right column (FACT), a light blue color, states: "Many interpreters carry vicarious trauma from one call to the next because they are not give adequate time to process the trauma they witness and embody.” An arrow separates the two columns. A "Next >>" button is at the bottom right of the image. The left column (MYTH) is a mustard yellow color and states: “Sorenson and ZP offer top tier mentoring and are ushering in a new generation of interpreters.” The right column (FACT), a light blue color, states: "These companies prey upon and exploit new interpreters, providing just enough training to get them on the phones. This leads directly to premature burnout, injury, leaving the field, and harm to the Deaf community.” An arrow separates the two columns. A "Next >>" button is at the bottom right of the image.
March 12, 2025 at 9:56 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
The results are in! Thanks to all VRS interpreters who filled out our ASLIU Occupational Health and Safety Survey- we have more insight into the physical and emotional strain interpreting adds to our bodies.

See our detailed Factsheet: bit.ly/health-safet...
First slide: graphic with a white background and a yellow header. Black text at the top reads, "ASLIU OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SURVEY RESULTS." Image below is of a phone with a checklist. The ASLIU logo is in the bottom right corner. graphic with white background and yellow header. Black text at the top reads, "VRS interpreters were asked: 'Do you have body pain related to your work as a VRS interpreter?'" A graphic below depicts a circle chart, with 94% saying "YES" and 6% saying "NO." The ASLIU logo is in the bottom right. graphic with white background and yellow header. Black text at the top reads, "VRS interpreters were asked: 'Do you believe the pace of work in VRS has contributed to occupational injuries or stress?'" A graphic below depicts a circle chart, with 95% saying "YES" and 5% saying "NO." The ASLIU logo is in the bottom right. graphic with white background and yellow header. Black text at the top reads, "VRS interpreters were asked: 'Do you believe that your working conditions contribute to physical, mental, or emotional health problems you experience?'" A graphic below depicts a circle chart, with 96% saying "YES" and 4% saying "NO." The ASLIU logo is in the bottom right.
March 3, 2025 at 5:06 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
Did you miss the Press Conference with @repcasar.bsky.social , @opeiu.bsky.social , and VRS Interpreters at the FCC? We got you- check out the link below!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaJD...
ASLIU Press Conference at the FCC
YouTube video by ASL Interpreters Union
www.youtube.com
February 27, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Reposted
atgarland.bsky.social
Proud to stand with ASL interpreters @opeiu.bsky.social union organizing for empowered interpreters and an empowered community! Time for the @agomezfcc.bsky.social to hold the VRS industry accountable!
An interpreter speaking about why ASL interpreters are unionizing. The crowd at the rally.
February 26, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Reposted
opeiu.org
Today, the ASL Interpreters Union and @repcasar.bsky.social held a press conference at the FCC demanding accountability in the Video Relay Service industry.

“For too long, private equity owners have pillaged VRS, extracting enormous profits while users suffer,” said Meg Huseman, a union leader.
February 26, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Reposted
aflcio.org
This morning, ASL Interpreters Union and @opeiu.bsky.social held a press conference outside of the FCC with Video Relay Service interpreters, who make sure people who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing can communicate through video with ASL. We stand in solidarity with them as they fight for their union.
February 26, 2025 at 10:00 PM
aslunion.bsky.social
VRS interpreters across the US are showing up to make a change!

Tampa area VIs are united- Work is demanding, but we always show up for one another.

VIs in the Twin Cities met w/ Gov Tim Walz’ staff abt declining working conditions & impacts on the Deaf community.
Photo of 8 people standing under an awning. It is sunny and clear behind them. They are standing in the shade. 7 of them are wearing black shirts with the ASLIU logo. One of them is wearing a grey shirt with the ASLIU logo. 6 are standing in the back and 2 are kneeling in the front. Everyone is smiling. Photo of 4 people standing indoors. They are in the rotunda of the MN State Capitol building. They are each wearing a black union shirt with the ASLIU logo on the front. They are each smiling. All four are upright and wearing long pants.
February 26, 2025 at 8:32 PM