About

Working Today was founded in 1995 to create a new safety net for independent workers. Due to their non-traditional employment arrangements in industries ranging from media and technology to domestic childcare, these workers do not have access to employer-based benefits.

In 2001, Working Today launched Freelancers Union, offering independent workers access to group-rate health insurance plans with premiums less than one-third of the price of those on the individual market. Freelancers Union brings freelancers together to build engaged communities and smarter solutions to health care, retirement, wage security, and broken systems.

Rafael Espinal, Executive Director

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Rafael Espinal became New York’s youngest elected official when he joined the State Assembly at age 26. The son of Dominican immigrants who were union members as well as freelancers, Rafael quickly became a leader fighting on behalf of workers, small businesses, artists, low-income communities, and the environment. In 2013, he was elected to the New York City Council, representing Brooklyn’s diverse 37th District.

Rafael has been a steadfast advocate for freelancer rights throughout his career. On the City Council, he was an early supporter and a co-sponsor of the first-of-its-kind Freelance Isn’t Free legislation that passed in New York City in 2016, giving freelancers unprecedented protection from nonpayment and late payment. He co-sponsored a bill passed in 2019 to extend protections against harassment and discrimination to independent workers under the City’s Human Rights Law.

As only the third leader of Working Today since its founding, Rafael is committed to engaging with freelancers across the country, listening to their concerns, amplifying their voices, and continuing to strengthen and expand a movement that serves a broad spectrum of independent workers and helps them thrive in a fast-changing economy.