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By David Fox (AIIC) The arguments in favour of staff interpreters being members of AIIC can be grouped into three categories: those that relate to the exercise of the profession itself (working conditions, code of ethics), those that relate to the situation of staff interpreter as official of an organization (career development), and those that relate to general job satisfaction (widening horizons, networking). It is sometimes said, particularly by non-AIIC staff interpreters and even by free-lance colleagues, that there is no reason for staff interpreters to be members of AIIC. In fact, the distinction between permanent and free-lance interpreters is an artificial one. Staff interpreters are often former free-lance interpreters, and can always revert to their free-lance status. If only out of enlightened self-interest, it makes sense for them to belong to the only world-wide body that defends their interests and ensures respect of the professional code of ethics. In a deregulated environment, conference interpreters need to be increasingly vigilant to ensure that the quality of work and working conditions be maintained, and professional ethics observed. Working conditions in international organizations that are taken for granted by young colleagues (compliance of booths with ISO standards, manning strengths, length of sessions, number of sessions worked per week, travel conditions on mission) have only been achieved after many years, and difficult negotiations between AIIC representatives and the administrations of the respective organizations. Given the inevitable interaction between working conditions in the non-agreement and agreement sector, it is more important than ever to have active and dynamic staff interpreters in AIIC to ensure that the interests of all conference interpreters are protected. Organizations such as the European Union and the United Nations, which are major recruiters of staff interpreters, have a clearly defined career structure both within the interpreting section, as well as within the secretariat of the organization itself. They often recruit their staff interpreters directly on leaving interpreters' schools, or at the end of an in-house training course. Young colleagues who are recruited in this fashion have no experience of the free-lance market, where membership of AIIC is seen to be a major asset enabling beginners to gain recognition amongst colleagues and establish themselves in the profession. For young colleagues who wish to further their career, AIIC offers many opportunities to develop new talents and exercise responsibilities, and is an excellent proving ground. Far from being a liability, membership is perceived by most administrations as an asset. Career development does not need to be confined to one organization, but can involve moving from one organization or geographical location to another. Networking within AIIC can provide useful information about career prospects elsewhere. The prospects for mobility are increasing. In recent years there has been a multiplication in the number of languages used in international organizations, and a breakdown of the compartmentalization of organizations into certain language groups. In the past, for example, Spanish and Russian were seen as primarily languages of the UN family. Nowadays, Spanish is used at the European Union, the Council of Europe and, on occasion, at the OECD. Similarly, Russian is in demand at the EU, the Council of Europe, OECD, and even NATO. Finnish and Swedish have become official languages of the EU. The profession of conference interpreter has always been not just international, but truly global in its outlook. Joining AIIC puts members in touch with a world-wide network, providing access to the whole range of AIIC's activities and publications. For staff interpreters membership of AIIC gives them an opportunity to look beyond the confines of the organization where they work and to exchange ideas and compare experience with colleagues from around the world, to inform each other of problems encountered or solutions found elsewhere. At a time when the right of interpreters to protect their health, the quality of their work and to provide information to consumers is being threatened, it is important to recognize the need for solidarity. Whatever the mode of exercise, free-lance or permanent, we are all conference interpreters. Our profession is indivisible.
Statistics as of 1 January 1996
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