Recent Activities

January 25, 2008

Roundtable Discussion with NYS Department of Labor Commissioner Patricia Smith

In a meeting at Freelancers Union headquarters, our executive director Sara Horowitz, New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Patricia Smith, and a small group of Freelancers Union members discussed the feast-or-famine nature of independent work.  The meeting was a great opportunity to highlight the fact that independent workers are generally excluded from existing programs, and to talk about innovative new ways that the State could support them.  NOW, the PBS newsmagazine hosted by David Brancaccio, filmed the roundtable discussion, which aired on February 15 at 8:30pm.  You can view the show here. 

September 24, 2007

Evening of Discussion & Networking with NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson

We hosted a discussion between our executive director Sara Horowitz and New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson. The Comptroller talked about the importance of independent workers to New York City's economy, and what freelancers can do to get the attention of policymakers and elected officials.  Check our YouTube page for video clips of the event!             

July 25, 2007

Meeting with Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer

Five Freelancers Union members, Executive Director Sara Horowitz, and members of our staff met with Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.  We talked about the issues that most affect New York’s freelancers – the UBT, affordable workspace, not getting paid, health care, and unemployment insurance.  Check out clips from the meeting on YouTube to see us in action.

June 12, 2007 

Networking Event with NYC Councilman David Yassky

Special guest New York City Councilman David Yassky, Chair of the Small Business Committee, joined us to meet the City's freelancers and hear their concerns.

April 16, 2007

NYC Council hearing on "Improving the Economic Environment for Freelancers and Independent Workers"

Dozens of Freelancers Union members braved the rain on Monday, April 16 to attend the first-ever New York City Council hearing on freelancers’ issues.  Several members testified about their experiences as freelancers in the City. You can see highlights of the day’s testimony on YouTube. 

Members’ participation in this hearing sent a crucial message to the City: freelancers are active and care about their issues.  For years, Freelancers Union has been working to bring attention to the fact that freelancers are excluded from the employer-based social safety net.  This hearing made it clear that our message has been heard.

On June 15, 2007, the New York City Council passed a bill to increase the Unincorporated Business Tax credit, a victory for freelancers and a first step toward eventually exempting them from the UBT.  

Read about our past activities.