AI update from a meeting with the Judicial Branch

Sisters and Brothers,

The union met with Judicial to discuss the new AI Teams, their capabilities and monitors’ concerns.

Monitors should not be worried about AI Teams because the speech-to-text notes will not become the transcript.  The term “transcript” on the Teams is just that.  It cannot be changed to another term,such as notes, because it’s in the Teams coding.  Only Judicial staff will have access to the video, AI notes and recordings.  

Phase I has rolled out statewide.  Phase II is expected to be rolled out next week in Middletown only with the rest of the state to follow soon after.

Phase II will incorporate a revamped “Excel-based long note” system for virtual proceedings.  This new program will tie the audio and log notes together allowing them to be accessible from home using your Judicial credentials.  This remote access will expedite access to audio and notes while increasingproductivity.  According to management, the AI notes will not be put in the court files.  They will remain for internal use only.  

Management has assured us that speech-to-text notes will not take the place of actual transcripts.  The monitors will still have to format and produce accurate transcripts.  However, transcripts will be able to be produced in less time using the new log notes and accompanying extractor.  Parties will still have to order certified transcripts from the CRMs.

TO BE CLEAR: the use of TEAM/AI no AFSCME Bargaining unit jobs will be lost or replaced. The new process should make transcript production quicker, The Notes in the teams meeting are only accessible by Judicial employees using their Judicial credentials. THERE IS NO PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE NOTES.  

The Union is still advocation on your behalf. Currently there are no concerns from the Union on the transition to teams AI notes. If something changes, the union will meet with management to discuss and clarify.

If you have further questions about this new program, please direct them to your Official Court Reporters.

In Solidarity,

Sotonye Otunba-Payne Court recording monitor and Local 749 recording secretary

Lisa Franchina Court recording monitor

Ron Nelson President Local 749