Independent workers are on their own to find ways to access services provided to standard employees by employers and government. They need to join together to address the shared challenges they face. For an overview of who independent workers are, and how big the group is, read our issue brief called What is the Independent Workforce?

The Freelancers Union Platform

These are the major issues that Freelancers Union is working to address. Our hope is that in addition to building stronger groups, the members of Freelancers Union Alliance will form the basis of a national campaign to improve conditions for independent workers and make freelance fair.

Health Insurance Access
Without access to cost-saving group-rate insurance plans, independent workers are forced to buy insurance at extremely high individual rates.

Saving for Retirement
Retirement plan options are confusing for many, and there is no structure of employer-provided matching and payroll deductions to encourage saving.

Taxes
Freelancers pay Social Security taxes at twice the rate paid by standard employees. Many freelancers in New York are subject to the Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT), a 4% income tax paid in addition to city, state and federal taxes. Read our issue brief on Tax Challenges.

Government-Sponsored Programs & Employment Law
Many programs available to employees through the government, like unemployment insurance, worker's comp, and anti-discrimination protection, are simply inaccessible to independent workers. Read our issue brief on Unemployment Insurance.

Redress for Employer/ Client Non-Payment
Without access to the unpaid wage claim system offered through the Department of Labor, freelancers must sue to collect on unpaid invoices, which is time-consuming and often prohibitively expensive.

What are the other issues that affect you as an independent worker?