1.  What will health reform mean for freelancers?
2.  Fishy pay schemes
3.  Seeking feedback from freelancers
4.  Holiday party
5.  Open enrollment ends Dec. 14
6.  New discounts
7.  Freelancers in the news

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1. What will health reform mean for freelancers?

For more than a decade, freelancers have successfully grouped together to get better plans with cheaper rates. Unfortunately, federal legislation, as drafted, will put freelancers’ options for affordable health insurance at risk by taking away our right to group together. We’re fighting for health care reform, supporting a public plan and health insurance for not only independent workers, but all Americans. Ask Senator Chuck Schumer today to protect freelancers' access to insurance.

2. Fishy pay schemes

For years, we’ve been tracking issues of nonpayment and late payments that independent workers have grappled with, but we were shocked to read a recent Gawker post about Time Inc. and NBC Universal’s pay-us-to-pay-you arrangements with their freelancers. Have you had to deal with this practice?  If so, please share your stories on our blog or through this mini survey.   

3. Seeking feedback from freelancers

So how do you feel about Freelancers Union? We want to know! Please take a minute to give us some feedback so that we can make the kind of improvements that would be the most helpful to you.

4. Holiday Party

Join us for the office holiday party for people without offices! We’re bringing the cheer on December 15 at Inc Lounge in Manhattan. RSVP early to guarantee your spot—we are expecting a full house. Ticket price includes munchies and bubbly beverages for toasting.

5. Health insurance open enrollment ends December 14

For members enrolled in Freelancers Insurance Company plans, the open enrollment period will end on December 14, 2009. This is the one time of year you can change your coverage or add dependents, so make sure to view our open enrollment instructions page for more details. You can also view the updated plans for 2010 on our new insurance pages.

6. New discounts

Crunch fitness is a health club that fuses fitness and entertainment, creating one-of-a-kind group fitness classes. Freelancers Union members pay only a $49 initiation fee and $74 a month (no commitment!). Receive one free pilates session, personal training assessment, and personal training session. Offer is good for new and existing Crunch members.

1-800-Flowers and 1-800-Baskets is pleased to offer our members a 20% discount through December 31, so you can treat everyone on your gift list to fresh flowers, gourmet gift baskets, cookies, chocolates, and more this Holiday Season. Get the special promo code by signing in to our website.

Green Spaces NY, located in the heart of Tribeca, is all about creating a comfortable working environment where likeminded individuals exchange ideas and further their businesses. Receive $100 off a six-month membership for full-time workspace.

7. Freelancers in the news

Crain’s writes about how many traditional employees are getting in touch with their inner freelancer after a layoff—and couldn’t be happier.