Freelancers Union

Freelance workers and independent contractors across New York State have long faced late payments, nonpayment, and contract abuses, often without clear recourse or awareness of their rights. While New York City’s Freelance Isn’t Free Act established strong protections for independent workers, those safeguards did not extend statewide, leaving millions of freelancers outside the city vulnerable to exploitation and inconsistent enforcement.

Our goal was to elevate the lived experiences of freelancers and highlight the economic harm caused by the absence of statewide protection. Building on the proven success and momentum of New York City’s Freelance Isn’t Free Act, we framed the issue as one of fairness, dignity, and economic stability for independent workers across the state. By centering freelancer stories and emphasizing the growing role of freelance labor in New York’s economy, we made the case that basic protections should not stop at city borders.

We advocated with the Freelancer’s Union, legislative champions, and statewide advocates to advance the Freelance Isn’t Free Act (S.8039/A8535) to extend NYC’s protections to freelancers across all of New York. The legislation established clear contract requirements, timely payment standards, and enforcement mechanisms to protect independent workers from abuse. Through coordinated advocacy and coalition support, the bill gained traction as a commonsense labor reform designed to modernize New York’s workforce protections and ensure freelancers are paid fairly and on time. The legislation passed both houses and took effect August 28, 2024.