Freelancers Union was literally at the table when Mayor Bloomberg gave a lunchtime address to the Economic Club of New York on Monday. Our Executive Director, Sara Horowitz, and members Drew Haluska and Meryem Minbay were present as the Mayor pledged to partner with Freelancers Union to help independent workers get through the tough economic times.

The Mayor will partner with us on three projects critical to making freelance fair:

• In New York, working  with Albany to end the UBT (Unincorporated Business Tax), which unfairly double-taxes freelancers’ income 
• Developing a federal unemployment protection system to see freelancers through hard times
• In New York City, creating an incubator space to encourage freelance work in the city

Here’s a clip from his speech.

These were bold commitments from the Mayor, and they couldn’t be more necessary at this time. How can members help keep the energy alive?

• Sign the petition to end the UBT, and ask 5 friends to do the same.
• Read Crain’s take on it: “Mayor details idea of freelancers' benefits.”
• And listen to Executive Director Sara Horowitz on NPR’s All Things Considered.

Thanks to Drew and Meryem for coming out to support the cause on Monday, and thanks to all of you who've joined, volunteered, signed, and participated to help keep the UBT campaign going strong.