About Us
Freelancers Union is a nonprofit organization that represents the needs of America’s independent workforce though advocacy, information, and service.
Independent workers make up 30% of the nation’s workforce. We are freelancers, consultants, independent contractors, temps, part-timers, contingent employees, and the self-employed.
Despite our contribution to America’s economy, we’re often left out of the social safety net. Most freelancers can’t access affordable insurance, are taxed more than traditional employees, and have limited access to protections such as unemployment insurance, retirement plans, and unpaid wage claims.
That’s why Freelancers Union is writing new rules for the new workforce.
By representing independent workers as a group, Freelancers Union can negotiate favorable insurance rates and provide a social safety net.
We already offer health insurance to freelancers in 31 states, and provide dental, life, and disability insurance nationwide. Next up, we’re working on retirement plans and unemployment insurance.
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We believe freelancers can help each other, so we provide platforms for networking, collaboration, and sharing knowledge.
We also encourage ongoing education for our members, and sponsor nationwide seminars, workshops, and events.
Freelancers Union has over 70,000 members nationwide.
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Freelancers Union is working to promote fairness for independent workers. We carry out unprecedented research on the independent workforce, then we educate policy makers on our group’s needs and lobby for change.
Our social system is outdated, but we’ve proven that positive change is achievable. The problem is simply that there hasn’t been a movement to represent the needs of independent workers.
Freelancers Union is that movement.
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In 1995, Sara Horowitz, a former labor lawyer, founded Working Today to meet the needs of the growing independent workforce.
In 2001, Working Today launched the Portable Benefits Network (PBN), to deliver benefits to independent workers in New York City.
By 2003, the PBN was providing benefits to thousands of workers, and resources and advocacy nationwide. It was renamed Freelancers Union to better reflect its expanded vision.
In 2007, Freelancers Union received 501(c)4 status in order to better carry out its advocacy mission. Working Today continues to exist as a 501(c)3, doing research and policy work.
In recognition of its goals, Freelancers Union has received grants and other support from the State and City of New York, as well as from leading foundations such as the Ford Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, J.P. Morgan Chase, New York Community Trust, United Hospital Fund, Rockefeller Family Fund, and others. The organization is a four-time winner of Fast Company’s Social Capitalist Awards.
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