Translation often operates behind the scenes, but the industry faces significant challenges. On October 29, 2024, a spontaneous strike by interpreters delayed the verdict hearing for Belgium’s largest drug trial by 45 minutes. Though brief, the disruption highlighted deeper issues within the translation and interpretation sector, particularly in Belgium.
The strike, involving about a dozen court interpreters, was sparked by the Ministry of Justice’s announcement of payment delays for sworn translators and interpreters. Unfortunately, this wasn’t an isolated incident—it was part of an ongoing problem. For years, sworn translators and interpreters in Belgium have faced inconsistent payments, sometimes waiting up to 90 days to receive their earnings—three times longer than the legally mandated timeframe.
This incident sheds light on significant challenges in the translation and interpretation industry, particularly for freelancers and those working on public-sector projects. Late payments don’t just harm the professionals doing the work—they also jeopardize critical judicial processes. In high-stakes cases, where accurate interpretation can influence a verdict, having skilled interpreters readily available is essential.
If financial instability pushes people out of these roles, the quality and accessibility of multilingual legal services could suffer. The strike also highlights a deeper issue: the lack of recognition for linguistic expertise. Despite their crucial role in facilitating justice and cross-cultural communication, interpreters and translators are often underpaid and undervalued. This problem isn’t unique to Belgium—it reflects a global trend where language services are treated as an afterthought rather than a vital component of law, healthcare, and international relations.
To address these issues, governments and organizations must step up and acknowledge the vital role of linguistic services. Ensuring that translators and interpreters are paid fairly and on time is essential. While advocacy groups are already pushing for change, broader support is needed to create meaningful, lasting improvements.
Meanwhile, technology is transforming the interpreting field. AI tools and other innovations can enhance efficiency and accessibility, but they should never replace human experts—especially in high-stakes environments like courtrooms or hospitals. The real challenge lies in striking the right balance between leveraging technology and preserving the expertise of professional interpreters.
The spontaneous strike in Belgium wasn’t just a brief disruption to a major trial—it was a wake-up call. Governments, institutions, and society as a whole must start recognizing the value of linguistic professionals and invest in them accordingly. Ensuring fair and timely payment isn’t just a matter of fairness; it’s essential for maintaining high-quality language services. As the world becomes more interconnected, the demand for interpreters and translators will only increase. This strike may have lasted just 45 minutes, but its message to the industry is clear: change is urgently needed.