The ballots have been counted, and members have elected David Landis as the first Member Representative to serve on the Freelancers Union Board of Directors. David will serve on the Board through 2011.

Meet Your Representative

David Landis
Member since 2/9/2006
Freelance Writer, Editor, Journalist
New York, NY

Biographical Blurb

I am a writer, editor and journalist specializing in finance and investing topics. I have been freelancing full time since 2001. I am a contributing editor to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, and I also have written for The New York Times, BusinessWeek and The Wall Street Journal Online. I also write and edit educational and marketing materials for a variety of corporate clients and a trade group. I hold the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, and I am a member of the CFA Institute’s Council of Examiners.

Previously, I was a business and technology reporter at USA Today, a website developer for IBM, and an editor at TheStreet.com.

I grew up in El Paso, Texas, and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. I am married to a freelance writer, and we live in New York City with our two children.

How have you been involved with the Freelancers Union?

I joined the Freelancers Union in 2006, and I have obtained health insurance through the Freelancers Union for my entire family since then.

Two years ago I testified on behalf of the Freelancers Union before the New York City Council in opposition to the city’s unincorporated business tax, which unfairly double-taxes independent workers. I have also participated in a Freelancers Union focus group and a networking event.

What is your vision for Freelancers Union?

Traditional workers have unemployment insurance, COBRA and sometimes retraining programs to help ease the shock of losing a job. Independent workers need a safety net too. We also need affordable health and disability insurance and a tax system that doesn’t penalize us for being self-employed.

Before the Freelancers Union emerged, independent workers didn’t have a strong voice speaking on our behalf. Now, we do. We must use this voice to educate the public and our elected leaders about the need for laws and benefit programs that recognize the growing freelance work force.

I see a Freelancers Union that continues to grow and gain influence as its membership base expands nationally. As the union grows, its ability to level the playing field for independent workers will grow too. But our gains will not come at the expense of traditional workers. Rather, the positive example that the Freelancers Union sets by providing low-cost health insurance and other services for its members will help bring about an economic safety net that works for everyone.