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Sign language interpreters protest job health care reductions

American Sign Language interpreters launched a one-day strike against Purple Communications on Monday to protest the company's abrupt decision to change health care benefits without reaching a contract agreement with union negotiators.

Members of ASL Interpreters United, an affiliate of the Pacific Media Workers Guild, TNG-CWA Local 39521, carried picket signs outside unionized Purple worksites in Oakland, Denver, San Diego and Tempe, Ariz., declaring the interpreters were "stronger together." In some locations, strike participation was close to 100 percent.

"I love all the strong community support," Laurie Rivard, an ASL interpreter and union leader, said during the Oakland picketing, where horns honked throughout the day.

The interpreters organized 18 months ago.

Purple gets an earful during ULP strike (Pacific Media Workers Guild website, May, 2014)