Audiovisual translators call for protection of the translation profession

Translators of audiovisual content in Slovenia have called for urgent measures to protect the profession and ensure the quality of the Slovenian language amid rapid digitalization. Members of the Zasuk union, representing audiovisual translators, have sent formal requests to Pro Plus and translation agencies demanding improved working conditions and standardized rates through collective agreements. They anticipate meetings with representatives from the union and relevant authorities. The translators argue that high-quality Slovenian in audiovisual content is no longer guaranteed, despite subtitles being a primary source of written information for many. They accuse broadcasters and intermediary agencies of forcing translators to use machine translations to maximize profits. Working conditions for translators have deteriorated significantly, with shorter deadlines, lower pay, and reduced quality standards. According to their public appeal, the largest commercial television station, Pro Plus, exerts the greatest pressure on workers. The union claims that translators are increasingly treated as underpaid editors of low-quality machine-generated content, and warns that they may soon be entirely excluded from the process. The union has addressed five key institutions, the Ministry of Culture, the Service for the Slovenian Language, the Ministry of Economy, Labour, and Sport, along with other relevant bodies, with specific demands. These include the preparation of a national strategy for the development of the Slovenian language in the era of artificial intelligence, establishing clear quality standards for translating and subtitling audiovisual content in collaboration with community organizations, strengthening oversight of linguistic quality in media and streaming platforms, protecting translators from practices that force them to use inappropriate machine translations, and ensuring proper recognition of the work of translators, proofreaders, and other language professionals. The call has been signed by audiovisual translators united in the Zasuk union, supported by several organizations including the Glosa union, SVIZ, the Society of Slovenian Film and Television Translators, the Society of Scientific and Technical Translators of Slovenia, the Society of Slovenian Directors, the Department of Translation at the Faculty of Arts of the University of Ljubljana, the Association of Slovenian Journalists, and with support from Professor Dr. Kozma Ahačič, head of the Institute for Slovenian Language Fran Ramovš at ZRC SAZU. The union highlights that the consequences of current practices affect not only translators but also degrade the viewer experience. Poor machine translations make content harder to understand, weaken the linguistic foundation, reduce access to information, and long-term harm reading comprehension, language sensitivity, and the ability to critically evaluate information. This practice is described as technological progress rather than systematic devaluation of the translator's role and a direct threat to the quality of the Slovenian language in public spaces. The demand for action comes at a time when the use of artificial intelligence in content creation and translation is growing rapidly. The union argues that without intervention, the role of human translators could be completely phased out, leading to irreversible damage to the linguistic landscape and cultural heritage of Slovenia. They stress that the protection of the translator’s profession is essential for maintaining the integrity of the Slovenian language in both media and educational contexts. The response from government institutions has yet to be made public, though officials have acknowledged receiving the request. The situation has sparked discussions among academic and professional circles regarding the future of language services in the digital age. Some experts warn that failing to address these concerns could lead to a decline in the quality of translated content and further erosion of the Slovenian language’s presence in global media. Others emphasize the need for immediate policy changes to safeguard the rights and roles of translators in an evolving technological environment.