Ioannis Michalis wrote:
even if the words solidarity, empathy, exploitation etc. mean nothing to most in here apparently, imagine the following: It is undeniable that austerity leads to unemployment. Unemployment means that anybody with a language certificate and no other means of employment can give freelance translating a try, what is there to lose? And then when we see agencies paying 0.02-3 $ per word lets all act suprised and wonder why do people accept such rates and ruin the profession for all.
By the way, those commenting that they live in privileged countries (US & UK), I'd recommend taking a better look on what's going in your front yard.
I think you're overstepping the boundaries of civil discourse here by assuming others have no use for words like solidarity, empathy, etc. You can't say anything like that about anybody unless you know them personally and know their circumstances.
Translation agencies are just one of several market agents. They come and go. As professionals, we are not in charge of policing others who claim to be professional translators.
Although you might see some countries as being privileged, there's nothing privileged about anybody commenting here. That's another unfortunate assumption you are making.