Economy Hurts Finnish Literary Translators
Translators of foreign literature into Finnish say they are concerned about the slow income growth in their profession. Among those expressing concern is translator Tarja Roinila, who notes that it is difficult for translators working full time to earn even 1,000 euros a month. Roinila says that translators' salaries should be doubled or tripled so that they better reflect the professional skills that are required for the job. According to a survey conducted by the Finnish Association of Translators and Interpreters (SKTL), translators' fees on average have risen only as much as the cost-of-living index during the past 10 years. The survey also found that the average compensation for translators actually fell in 2008. SKTL's Kaijamari Sivill notes that her organization has discussed the slow income growth with publishers. However, she says that although the publishing industry's reactions have generally been positive and constructive, improvements in the situation aren't likely in the near future due to the poor economy.
From "Income Development of Finnish Translators Has Stalled Near Poverty Line"
Helsingin Sanomat (Finland) (03/10/09)
Source: ATA Newsbriefs - March 2009