Freelancers Union is a nonprofit organization that represents the needs of America’s independent workforce though advocacy, information, and service.

Independent workers make up 30% of the nation’s workforce. We are freelancers, consultants, independent contractors, temps, part-timers, contingent employees, and the self-employed. Despite our contribution to America’s economy, we’re often left out of the social safety net. Most freelancers can’t access affordable insurance, are taxed more than traditional employees, and have limited access to protections such as unemployment insurance, retirement plans, and unpaid wage claims.

That’s why Freelancers Union is writing new rules for the new workforce.

Benefits

By representing independent workers as a group, Freelancers Union can negotiate insurance rates and provide a social safety net. We already offer health insurance to freelancers in 31 states, and provide dental, life, and disability insurance nationwide. In 2009, we reached a major milestone in the creation of a model safety net for independent workers: we launched Freelancers Insurance Company and the Freelancers Retirement Plan.

Community & Service

We believe freelancers can help each other, so we provide platforms for networking, collaboration, and sharing knowledge. We also encourage ongoing education for our members, and sponsor nationwide seminars, workshops, and events. Freelancers Union has more than 120,000 members nationwide.

Advocacy

Freelancers Union is working to promote fairness for independent workers. We carry out unprecedented research on the independent workforce, then we educate policy makers on our group’s needs and lobby for change. Our social system is outdated, but we’ve proven that positive change is achievable. The problem is simply that there hasn’t been a movement to represent the needs of independent workers. Freelancers Union is that movement.

History

• In 1995, Sara Horowitz, a former labor lawyer, founded Working Today to meet the needs of the growing independent workforce.

• In 2001, Working Today launched the Portable Benefits Network (PBN), to deliver benefits to independent workers in New York City.

• By 2003, the PBN was providing benefits to thousands of workers, and resources and advocacy nationwide. It was renamed Freelancers Union to better reflect its expanded vision.

• In 2007, Freelancers Union received 501(c)4 status in order to better carry out its advocacy mission. Working Today continues to exist as a 501(c)3, doing research and policy work.
• In 2008, Freelancers Union announces the creation of Freelancers Insurance Company, which they wholly own and which offers insurance only to their members in New York.
• In 2009, Freelancers Retirement Plan is launched, offering the first 401(k) plan for freelancers with 1099 income.

In recognition of its goals, Freelancers Union has received grants and other support from the State and City of New York, as well as from leading foundations such as the Ford Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, J.P. Morgan Chase, New York Community Trust, United Hospital Fund, Rockefeller Family Fund, and others. The organization is a four-time winner of Fast Company’s Social Capitalist Awards.