Advocating for Freelancer Rights: Labor Day Call for Essential Protections
Amidst the celebrations of Labor Day, freelance workers in New York are pushing for essential protections that have long been denied to them in the American economy. With approximately 60 million Americans working as freelancers, Labor Day serves as a reminder of how they are often overlooked and neglected.
One of the most pressing issues faced by independent workers is the lack of assured payment for their services. In many cases, freelancers have to wait weeks or even months to receive payment for their work, and sometimes they aren’t paid at all. This creates a significant burden for these workers, leaving them without recourse or remedies when they are taken advantage of. It is a failure on our part to have disregarded such a large segment of our workforce.
However, Labor Day could take on a new meaning for independent workers in New York if Governor Kathy Hochul signs the Freelance Isn’t Free Act into law. This bill, which has gained overwhelming support in the Legislature, aims to protect freelancers from exploitation by ensuring they have the right to written contracts for projects valued at $800 or more. It also mandates payment within 30 days of services rendered, unless otherwise agreed upon in the contract. Furthermore, the bill provides protections against retaliation and establishes penalties for violating these rights. By empowering the Department of Labor and the attorney general to enforce these protections, the Freelance Isn’t Free Act would be a significant step forward.
Illinois has already taken the initiative by signing the Freelance Worker Protection Act into law, becoming the first state to extend payment protections to freelance workers. Now, New York has an opportunity to lead the way and protect the freelancers who contribute over $30 billion in revenue annually and make up more than a third of the state’s workforce. These freelancers are not limited to New York City; they are spread throughout the state, with six counties, including Columbia and The Bronx, having a high proportion of self-employed workers. Freelancers work across various fields, not just in the creative or gig economy sectors. For instance, the agricultural sector has the largest number of independent workers in New York State. This emphasizes the importance of implementing statewide legislation to protect these workers.
Undeniably, everyone deserves to be paid for their work. However, for the 60 million freelancers in the United States, nonpayment is the number one complaint received by the Freelancers Union. A staggering 74% of freelancers report experiencing issues with non-payment. It is time for both local and federal governments to step in and establish common-sense protections for the independent workforce. New York must seize this opportunity to lead the charge.
Now more than ever, there is uncertainty surrounding the freelancing job market and creative industries in the United States. Ongoing labor disputes, such as the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild strikes, highlight the need for improved labor conditions across the country. These disputes demand attention for the many workers who operate outside traditional employment structures.
On this Labor Day, let us remember the contributions of all workers and consider the timely payment of freelancers. It is crucial to prioritize the implementation of protections that ensure fairness and stability for the independent workforce. By doing so, we can foster a thriving economy that values the contributions of all workers, regardless of their employment status.
