The Annual Independent Worker Survey

Althea Erickson, Freelancers Union

What do freelancers in L.A., NYC, and Topeka have in common? That’s what Freelancers Union wants to find out! While independent workers constitute a considerable segment of the workforce, there is limited information about these workers. Freelancers Union aims to fill that knowledge gap through their Annual Independent Worker Survey. They use the survey results to inform the public (2009’s survey results covered by The Wall Street Journal andUSA Today) and policymakers about issues that affect independent workers and to shape their advocacy agenda to push for legislative changes. Their 2009 survey results showed that 40% of freelancers had trouble getting paid in that year alone, and Freelancers Union was able to push policymakers to introduce legislation (The Freelancer Payment Protection Act) in New York State to help combat client nonpayment. Needless to say, the more respondents, the better the data, so take a few minutes to complete the survey.