Policy Resources
Independent workers are on our own to access services traditionally provided by employers and government.
Freelancers Union draws visibility to these issues and advocates for sustainable solutions.
Issue Briefs
Fair Taxation
Due to an outdated tax code, Freelancers pay more taxes than traditional employees. As 30% of the U.S. workforce, we can call for a fair review.
Unemployment Insurance
Without unemployment insurance, freelancers have no social safety net. We need a method of income stabilization for those vulnerable to periods of unemployment or under-employment.
Affordable Health Insurance
Health insurance is prohibitively expensive for individuals who don’t have coverage through their jobs. In every state, independent workers should be able to form groups to buy affordable insurance.
Unpaid Wage Compensation
The Department of Labor offers an unpaid wage claim system to employees, while freelancers must sue or walk away. Non-payment should be seen as an equal problem for everyone.
Saving for Retirement
Freelancers face unique challenges in planning for retirement. Freelancers Union is designing a flexible retirement plan tailor-made for independent workers and providing education on how to take control of your options.
Annual Survey Reports
Every year, Freelancers Union carries out a national survey on pressing issues affecting the independent workforce.
The resulting research is among the only in-depth analysis carried out today on the needs of self-employed, temporary, and part-time workers.
We then present our reports to policy makers, thought leaders, and journalists in an ongoing effort to raise awareness and make a convincing case for positive change.
New Unionism and the Next Social Safety Net (2006)
The traditional social safety net is highly employer-based, and to a large extent excludes independent workers.
While we pay higher taxes, we receive fewer social benefits and government protections.
Data collected in our annual survey emphasises the need for a new form of unionism to secure equitable taxation, government representation, and social insurance programs for the new independent workforce.
Creative Workers Count (2005)
New York City’s Arts Funding Overlooks Individual Artists’ Needs
Independent creative workers, among them artists, composers, illustrators, photographers, and writers, are struggling with financial instability.
Despite their high levels of education and civic participation, creative workers report erratic employment, low incomes, and an outdated social safety net.
We examine these challenges, and make policy recommendations aimed at stabilizing the livelihoods of the creative workforce.
The Rise of the Freelance Class (2005)
A New Constituency of Workers Building a New Social Safety Net
Who are freelancers, how do they work, and how are they faring within the existing social system?
Our survey finds that independent workers are largely creative, independent, and entrepreneurial and that many freelancers are fiercely dedicated to their lifestyle. They also make significant sacrifices to freelance.
Our challenges illustrate the flaws in our social system, which limits access to health insurance and retirement plans for those without traditional employment relationships.
Educated, Employed and Uninsured (2004)
How Independent Workers Fall out of the Social Safety Net
As many as 84% of educated independent workers struggle to afford health insurance.
During gaps in health coverage, most avoid seeking medical attention, or rely on public resources such as emergency rooms.
We suggest national policy changes and local initiatives that will make health coverage affordable for independent workers and their families.
Young, Employed, and Uninsured (2004)
New York City’s Young Independent Workers Face Chronic Gaps in Health Insurance Coverage
The lack of affordable health insurance for independent workers under 30 compounds their financial stress while compromising their health.
Based on standard premium rates, an independent worker in New York City would have to earn $120,000 or more to afford health insurance. Today, less than 4% of those under 30 meet this criterion.
We suggest national policy changes and local initiatives that will make health coverage affordable for young, independent workers.
The High Price of Creativity (2004)
New York City’s Artists Face Chronic Gaps in Health Insurance Coverage
More than half of New York City’s artists experience gaps in health coverage, of which 86% avoid seeking medical attention during a time of poor health.
As these circumstances are not sustainable over the long term, New York City compromises its ability to maintain its creative leadership while jeopardizing public health.
We suggest national policy changes and local initiatives that will make health coverage affordable for independent artists.
Health Insurance (un)Affordability (2003)
The average independent worker makes less than $50,000 per year, while the average monthly health insurance premium becomes affordable when making over $100,000.
In order to make health insurance affordable, independent workers feel they need some form of financial assistance.
Read the findings summary (PDF)
Mobile Workers, Immobile Health Benefits (2001)
State of Independent Work Report
This snapshot of high-tech independent workers reveals that 30% have no health insurance, while others go through persistent coverage gaps as they switch between jobs.
As the workforce becomes increasingly mobile, so too must available social benefits. We recommend strategies for tying benefits to the individual instead of the employer.