Joint Statement by AUSIT and TIA
Joint Statement by AUSIT and TIA The Australian Institute of Interpreters & Translators (AUSIT) and Translators and Interpreters Australia (TIA), as part of Professionals Australia (PA), issue the following joint statement.
The aim of this statement is to explain the differences — as well as shared ground — between our respective organisations.
Difference Between Professional Association & Trade Union
We believe it is important for translators and interpreters (T&I) across Australia to understand the difference between a professional association (like AUSIT) and a trade union (like PA).
AUSIT is a professional association. A professional association is an organisation made up of practitioners who work in the same field. Professional associations help educate members, maintain high standards and ensure ethical behaviour within an industry.
PA is a labour union. Labour unions are organisations made up of workers who have joined together to achieve common goals. These goals include seeking higher pay, better working conditions, and secure jobs. Unions have had to adapt to the changes in working arrangements over time. Today, unions represent permanent employees, casual employees and ABN contractors.
Respective Roles of Our Organisations
We believe that outlining the respective roles of our organisations — both the similarities and key differences — will provide clarity for practitioners and external stakeholders alike. We acknowledge that, because of the very nature of our members being T&I, there will be areas where our work intersects and is bolstered by each other’s influence. We believe that open and honest conversation can result in very effective campaigns where we assist each other, rather than obstruct.
What AUSIT does
AUSIT serves as the national professional association for translators and interpreters by:
-Educating and advocating to governments, other professions and the public for moreextensive and effective use of T&I services
-Encouraging and maintaining high ethical and professional standards for T&I
-Providing opportunities to enhance the professionalism of T&I
What TIA does (as part of PA)
TIA provides union representation for translators and interpreters in Australia which includes:
-Campaigning for T&I to receive fair recognition, respect and remuneration for theirwork, entitlements, and workplace health and safety
-Advocacy and lobbying for T&I to policymakers and governments
-Representation and negotiations to improve pay and working conditions of T&I
-Workplace advice and support for T&I for individual workplace issues
Importance of Working in Solidarity
We believe that translators and interpreters in Australia will benefit substantially when our two organisations work together for the betterment of the profession.
We believe that the respective aims of our organisations can be better met when we share knowledge, expertise and resources.
We believe that together we can more effectively advocate to governments, industries, and regulatory bodies on the critical role of translation and interpreting services in Australia.
We believe that even though a professional association and labour union have distinct objectives, a well-coordinated effort between the organisations will significantly enhance public understanding of the complexity and importance of translation and interpreting work.
We believe that a coordinated and strategic effort between our organisations will provide increased opportunity for securing fair pay and optimal working conditions for T&I, as well as better recognition of our professionalism throughout Australia.
Our Common Ground
Both of our organisations work to advance the professions of translation and interpreting.
AUSIT achieves this primarily through its Code of Ethics, professional development and advocacy at all levels, while TIA advocates, lobbies on behalf of, and engages members to collectively fight for better pay and conditions.
Given our shared interests, functions and values, both AUSIT and TIA commit to improving dialogue and consultation between our organisations to advance the interests of the T&I sector and professionals more broadly.
To foster ongoing cooperation, AUSIT and TIA commit to explore a mutually beneficial framework that facilitates structured dialogue, consultation and coordination on matters of shared interest.
Our strength, as a professional association (AUSIT) and as a labour union (TIA), resides in our numbers, our knowledge of the market and our experience of the ecosystem of language services in Australia.
By working as a united front, we can multiply the effectiveness of our respective campaigns and endeavours, while respecting each other’s aims and objectives.
AUSIT and TIA look forward to continued collaboration on issues with which our members share common ground.
Yours sincerely,
