Payment Protection

Almost 80% of independent workers will be stiffed by clients in their careers – and they have no legal protections like traditional employees do. Going after deadbeats takes time and money, so many freelancers have to walk away. It's time to change that.

The World's Longest Invoice

In just one week, freelancers tallied up over $15 million in money they're owed by clients on The World's Longest Invoice. Now it's time to put a face on the numbers – share a photo or story about getting stiffed by clients today.

Post your story

Come to Albany for Lobby Day on May 22 to deliver The World's Longest Invoice.

Email Senator Skelos now urging him to pass the Freelancer Payment Protection Act.

Or use our Twitter petition instead.

Coffee Is a Right (Freelancers Must Get Paid)

We teamed up with Senator Golden to make a video about the Freelancer Payment Protection Act. Watch it now.

FAQs

  • What is the Freelancer Payment Protection Act?
    • The Freelancer Payment Protection Act (S4129/A6698) is legislation in New York that would help independent workers collect money from their nonpaying clients. The Assembly Bill passed in June 2011, and the Senate Bill is currently in the Labor Committee.
    • Who would it help?
    • Independent workers who work in New York State and expect to be paid more than $600 by a client.
    • How would it help?
    • Independent workers whose clients haven't paid them will be able to file complaints with the New York State Department of Labor, which will investigate the claim. Victims may be able to receive 100% of what they're owed, plus attorney's fees and interest on the amount owed.
    • What can I do?
    • + Join our Unpaid Wages campaign.
    • + Use our customizable Contract Creator for every gig.
    • + Read true-life freelancer stories about client nonpayment.
    • + View a quick guide to the Freelancer Payment Protection Act.
    • + Read a brief about how we can combat client nonpayment.
    • + Download a full report about how unpaid wages affect independent workers.

    History of the Freelancer Payment Protection Act

    In the spring of 2010, Freelancers Union members and staff successfully convinced New York policymakers to introduce a bill that would protect independent workers from clients who don't pay: the Freelancer Payment Protection Act. Unfortunately, there wasn't time to vote on it that session. The bill was reintroduced in early 2011, and again Freelancers Union members and staff met with legislators to explain how important the bill would be to the livelihood of the self-employed and the state. After we sent 60 freelancers to Albany for a series of meetings with elected officials, the New York State Assembly passed the bill on June 20, 2011. Now we need the Senate to do the same.



    Join the Campaign