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Working for the radical notion of fairness.

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Tired of getting taxed twice? Get the Facts.Take Action.

The Issues

Alone, we face the issues, but together, we can find solutions. Learn more about the independent workforce.



Affordable Health Insurance
As an individual, health insurance rates are prohibitively high. As a community, we can negotiate group rates and make health coverage affordable. Read the Issue Brief [PDF]

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Due to an outdated tax code, Freelancers pay more taxes than traditional employees.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. Read the Issue Brief [PDF]

Unemployment Insurance
Freelancers have no social safety net without unemployment insurance. We need a method of income stabilization for when we are vulnerable to periods of unemployment or under-employment. Read the Issue Brief [PDF]

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. Read the Issue Brief [PDF]

Saving for Retirement
Freelancers face unique challenges in planning for retirement. We're designing a flexible retirement plan tailored to freelancers and providing education on how to take control of your options. Read the Issue Brief [PDF]

Candidate Endorsements

Freelancers Union supports candidates for office that have a strong history of passing laws and developing policies that protect freelancers. Endorsements are based on a broad independent worker agenda, including: expanding health insurance, fostering equitable tax treatment, and developing an unemployment protection program for freelancers.

If you are a candidate seeking the Freelancers Union endorsement for the 2009 New York City elections, you must complete our Candidate Questionnaire by July 17, 2009. Email advocacy@freelancersunion.org for a copy of the questionnaire.

What Can You Do?

g Volunteer on Freelancers Union campaigns.

g Contribute to Freelancers Union Political Action         Committee.

g Tell your Senator to pass our bill for fairer taxation.

g Get email alerts by subscribing to our Get Involved list.

Why We’re Political

Sara Horowitz I started Freelancers Union because I believe in the radical notion of fairness: we should all have access to the social safety net, regardless of how we work.

Some people freelance because they want to, and some freelance because that's just the way their industries work. But either way, our independence means a lot to us.

Ideally, we would live in a social and economic system that supports independent work. After all, our services are in demand, and we're still paying taxes and supporting the economy. . . just like the folks in the cubicles.

The reality, however, is that while the independent workforce has grown to 30% of the U.S. population, employment laws have not been asked to adapt.

The only reason that freelancers must struggle to survive with an outdated social safety net is because there has never been a movement to represent independent workers and act for change.

Freelancers Union is central to that movement. I hope you'll join us.

Best,

Sara

Sara Horowitz
Founder and Executive Director