The Freelancer’s Union, a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, represents the quickly escalating numbers of independent workers in the USA from Washington, District of Columbia to Huntington . It represents the concerns of this diverse industry through advocacy, education and service. Just about 30% of the entire workforce in America is comprised of self-employed workers which include freelancers, temporary employees, consultants, contingent employees and other entrepreneurs. As the number of workers who fall into this category grows, the Freelancer’s Union endeavers to give them a voice. Many occupations are eligible for membership including Accountant, Caddy, Gardener, Inventor, Dog walker and Writer.
How it all Began
Former labor lawyer, Sara Horowitz, started Working Today in 1995. This was one of the first incremental steps in the direction of supporting and meeting the needs of the independent workforce. Working Today introduced the Portable Benefits Network (PBN) in 2001. The desire of Portable Benefits Network was to provide benefits to self employed workers who were in New York City’s Silicon Alley. PBN became Freelancer’s Union in May 2003 in an effort to better voice the needs that steer entrepreneurs as well as better reflect the multitude of services that the organization offers including benefits, resources and advocacy.
Benefits of Membership
The free membership to Freelancer’s Union provides significant benefits to the self employed worker. Insurance is one of the main goals of the organization and in some cases it is to be had. Coverage areas vary by insurance type and there may be somelimiting eligibility rules. However, the Union is working to bring insurance coverage to independent workers in every state. Members also are eligible for discounts from companies such as Allworth Press, The Diner’s Deck, Zipcar the YMCA of New York City as well as many others.
The Freelancer’s Union also facilitates classes on a variety of topics including business finances, taxes and the law. They also organize lobbying campaigns in an effort to promote [fair taxes, better options for insurance and increased visibility|better insurance, increased recognition and reasonable taxes|better options for insurance, reduced taxes and public relations} for independent workers.
Members can also publish a profile in the Freelancer’s Union’s online community and even set up their own listing in the Freelancer’s Yellow Pages. They can also log on to the Gigs board to find jobs and communicate with other members, other entrepreneurs.
Union Sponsored Events The Freelancer’s Union sponsors many promotional events that are designed to help independent workers network and learn more about protecting themselves and operating a more streamlined business. One of the networking opportunities is through Meetup.com. Members from all over the US can sign up and connect to each other on MeetUp. Other events that the Union hosts are seminars on skill building on both a personal and professional level. Seminar topics can range from Strategies for Protecting Yourself and Your Business, Guide to Contracts, Federal Taxes – Understanding Form 1040 and Schedule C to 7 Financial Steps Every Freelancer Must Know. There is a complete list on the Union’s website.
Advocacy
The Freelancer’s Union promotes awareness on issues that affect the growing number of independent workers in America. Issues such as access to health insurance, saving for retirement, unemployment benefits, recourse for clients who don’t pay and employment laws are all on the forefront for the advocacy section of the Freelancer’s Union.
The freelancer’s Union is a must for the independent worker. There are significant benefits to membership and the value is superb.
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