Eligibility
Court Employees (Union Membership)
If you are a staff interpreter employed by a California trial court in Region 2, you may be eligible for union membership as an employee interpreter.
- Court-employed staff interpreter
- Supports unity and fair working conditions
- Has Union representation regarding working conditions
- Participates in member communications and voting when applicable
Freelance Interpreters (Association Membership)
Freelance interpreters do not join CALI as union members. They may join as association members to support CALI’s mission and strengthen language access practices across the courts where we work together.
- Interprets for court departments as a freelancer
- Wants professional development and practical resources
- Wants to help improve workflow, safety, and language access
Court Employees
Union Membership & Dues (Employees)
For court employees, dues are typically handled through payroll deduction after the membership process is completed.
How it works
- Complete the union membership application (and any required authorization forms)
- CALI confirms next steps and timing based on your court/region procedures
- Dues begin through payroll deduction once processed
- You receive confirmation when membership is active
Freelance Interpreters
Association Membership (Freelance Interpreters)
Freelance interpreters do not join CALI as union members. They may join as association members. This strengthens professional unity because staff and contract interpreters work in the same courthouses, often supporting the same departments and proceedings.
How freelance interpreters benefit
- Professional development: trainings, updates, and resources relevant to court work
- Better working conditions: help elevate workflow and safety issues that affect daily operations
- Language access improvements: help identify coverage gaps and process breakdowns impacting LEP court users
- Professional community: connect across counties and strengthen ethical practice
How freelance interpreters help CALI’s mission
- Share real-world feedback on courtroom operations and interpreting workflows
- Support consistent language access practices across courts
- Strengthen unity between staff and contract interpreters
- Participate in events and help grow a statewide interpreter community
How payment works
Freelance Interpreter association payments are handled outside of payroll. Website signup creates an account and starts the association membership intake. You will receive confirmation of membership/payment and/or renewal instructions.
Freelance association membership does not enroll you in employee collective bargaining or payroll-deduction dues.
Need Help Choosing the Right Option?
Contact us and we’ll help you confirm the correct membership path and next steps.
📞 (510) 263-7905 | ✉️ info@caliunion.org