In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around a lawsuit involving interpreters and wage theft, highlighting significant concerns within the workers' compensation system. The lawsuit, which includes the Department of Labor and Industries and several self-insured companies, stems from allegations that interpreters have not been compensated for services rendered over the past two to three years.

A senator raised questions regarding the Department's involvement in the lawsuit, noting that the complaints primarily involve self-insured employers. The Department clarified its role as an oversight entity in the case, emphasizing that it cannot comment on the specifics of the lawsuit due to its ongoing nature.

The meeting also addressed the transition from a previous vendor, Interpreting Works, to a new vendor, SoC, for interpreting services. Officials acknowledged that this transition has encountered challenges, particularly concerning timely payments to interpreters. Many interpreters, often self-employed, rely on consistent pay schedules, and the irregular payment practices reported have raised concerns about their financial stability.

The Department is actively working with the new vendor to address these issues and ensure that interpreters receive timely compensation for their services. The discussions underscored the importance of resolving these payment issues to support the interpreters who play a crucial role in the workers' compensation system.