ATA and the lack of health insurance

by Michael Hariton
(New York)

I've been a freelance translator for the past 3 years and a language industry specialist (AM/PM in agencies) for over 15 years.

From the agency perspective, ATA certification is definitely an INITIAL benefit at the screening stage. However, in my experience, it is not a reliable predictor of translator quality. Quality is not only the degree of competence but the entire service of the translator...meeting deadlines, dealing with edits, providing value added expertise, etc.

From a freelancer's perspective, I cannot grasp how a professional organization fundamentally made up of freelancers can demand such high fees--for everything--and not provide the one thing every freelancer needs: Healthcare insurance.

I was a member when I started my own translation business, but after one year I could not justify the expense based on the quality and infrequency of the newsletters I received, the lack of a screened or useful jobs board and the bloated cost of accreditation + membership dues.

The ROI was just not there from a sober business perspective. I think people are more afraid of NOT being a member than delighted in the membership itself.

If you contrast ATA benefits for paying members with those of the Freelancers Union (www.freelancersunion.org) which is free, your decision is made for you.