Freelancers Union

The Freelancers Union, a national nonprofit organization, supports the increasingly escalating numbers of independent workers in America from Durham, North Carolina to Thornton, Colorado. It focuses on the needs and desires of this diverse industry through advocacy, service and education. Approximately 30% of todays workforce in America is comprised of independent workers which include freelancers, consultants, temporary employees and self employed people. As the number of independent entrepreneurs increases, the Freelancers Union works to give them a voice. Many occupations are eligible for membership including Accountant, Perfumer, Miner, Numismatist, Calligrapher and Photographer.

How it all Began

Former labor attorney, Sara Horowitz, started Working Today in 1995. This was one of the beginning tentative steps in the direction of supporting of the individual entrepreneur workforce. Working Today introduced the Portable Benefits Network (PBN) in 2001. The desire of PBN was to provide benefits to independent workers who were in New York Citys Silicon Alley. PBN became Freelancers Union in May 2003 in order to better voice the needs that direct entrepreneurs as well as better reflect the multitude of services that the organization offers including benefits and resources.

Benefits of Membership

The free membership to Freelancers Union provides significant benefits to the solo business worker. Insurance is one of the main goals of the Freelancers Union and in some cases it is available. Coverage areas vary by insurance type and there may be some eligibility rules. But, the Union is attempting to bring insurance coverage to the self employed in every state. Members also receive special discounts from companies such as FreshBooks, Duane Reade, VisionDirect the YMCA of New York City as well as many others.

The Freelancers Union also sponsors educational events on many topics including business finances, taxes and the law. They also coordinate informational campaigns in an effort to promote [fair taxes, better options for insurance and increased visibilitybetter insurance, increased recognition and reasonable taxesbetter options for insurance, reduced taxes and public relations} for independent workers.

Members can also publish a profile in the Freelancers Unions online community and even set up their own listing in the Freelancers Yellow Pages. They can also access the Gigs board to find jobs and network with other members, other entrepreneurs.

Union Sponsored Events The Freelancers Union sponsors many significant events that are programmed to help independent workers network and learn more about protecting themselves and operating a more efficient business. One of the networking projects is through Meetup.com. Members from all over the USA 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 Understanding and Applying for Business Loans, Guide to Contracts to Maximizing Your Knowledge in Order to Minimize Your Frustration. There is a complete list on the Unions website.

Advocacy

The Freelancers Union promotes awareness on issues that affect the increasing number of self-employed workers in America. Issues such as access to health insurance, recourse for clients who dont pay, saving for retirement, unemployment benefits and employment laws are all on the forefront for the advocacy sector of the Freelancers Union.

The freelancers Union is strongly recommended for the independent worker. There are certainly benefits to membership and the value is superb.

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