Judicial Translators and Interpreters in Belgium Join Others to Protest Work Conditions

The Belgian Chamber of Translators and Interpreters (CBTI) has joined broader demands for a structural reform of the justice system, aligning with magistrates and public prosecutors who have been vocal about systemic issues in the sector.

An announcement published by the CBTI on June 17, 2025, specifically highlights recurrent issues faced by linguists, arguing that these problems make the professions unsustainable. “Sworn translators and interpreters, often called upon for long, overnight, or weekend assignments, are demanding not only reliable and prompt payments but also a significant increase in their fee schedules,” states the post.

Official translation and interpreting rates in Belgium for 2025 became effective in January, and practitioners still consider them to be too low compared to the private sector. The CBTI is requesting an increase and for the government to “urgently and materially” address persistent, chronic payment delays.

These are concerns that CBTI has voiced before. In October 2024, interpreters stopped working abruptly to protest the same payment issues, at the time causing delays for a landmark trial.

Translators and interpreters also argue that difficult working conditions are leading to a growing shortage of qualified professionals and other risky situations, including prolonged hearings, procedural errors, and even acquittals due to a lack of proper linguistic support.

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According to the Brussels Times newspaper, public prosecutors have voiced their concerns about working conditions and staff shortages in the system. In an open letter read during a press conference (French), they asked “How will we continue to find enough police officers, translators, interpreters, legal experts, or recovery services?”

The open letter also pointed to other distressing situations for those working or seeking services in the courts. “Many buildings are in poor condition and pose significant risks to both our staff and the citizens who want to attend to their cases; some ceilings are in danger of collapse. There is mold on the walls, vermin are running around.”