Freelancers Union was created to serve the pursuits of impartial staff, and member participation is essential to shaping the way forward for the group. We’d like you, the Freelancers Union members, to assist resolve on the subsequent Member Consultant to affix our board.
The Member Consultant could have the identical tasks as all different board members, enjoying an integral position in growing our group’s technique for the long run. Try the three candidates for the subsequent Member Consultant under, and vote right here:
1. How would you utilize your position as Member Consultant to advocate on behalf of members?
Bryan:
The Freelancers Union has already constructed an unimaginable basis for impartial staff. Unions don’t simply profit their very own members—they elevate the usual for everybody.
Cities and states with vigorous union exercise have greater wages and higher advantages throughout industries—no matter union membership. That’s as a result of when unions battle, they set the bar greater for all staff.
Freelancing is a recreation of survival. No advantages, no employer protections, no ensures. However that doesn’t imply we don’t have energy—we simply must battle for it in a different way.
The Freelancers Union already does nice work, and we have to go additional. Meaning not simply advocating for freelancers, however ensuring each freelancer is aware of what’s occurring, has a say, and sees precise outcomes.
Three priorities I’d give attention to:
- Unemployment advantages for freelancers. We deserve the choice to pay into and accumulate unemployment, identical to staff. I’d push for state-level laws in additional states modeled after New York’s Freelance Isn’t Free Act and construct grassroots freelancer campaigns to use stress the place it issues.
- Stronger cost protections. No extra ready months to receives a commission. We’d like actual authorized penalties for non-payment and a Union-backed mediation system that freelancers can really use when shoppers stall.
- A vetted freelancer job board. Too many job postings result in shoppers who lowball or delay cost. We’d like a trusted Union-run platform the place solely corporations with a historical past of honest pay and honest contracts can publish gigs.
Advocating for freelancers isn’t simply one thing I aspire to, I’m already doing it. As a lawyer, I’ve seen firsthand how unfair the authorized system could be for freelancers. Massive corporations have authorized groups. Freelancers have strongly worded emails and the determined hope that circling again will magically produce cost.
At a macro degree, I push for freelancers’ rights by writing about pay fairness in main publications, exposing exploitative enterprise practices, and advocating for stronger authorized protections. I additionally work with companies to coach them on moral freelancer remedy—as a result of a part of fixing the system is altering how corporations interact with impartial staff.
At a micro degree, I work immediately with freelancers—serving to them develop contracts, construction their companies, set sustainable charges, and work out when to stroll away from unhealthy shoppers. I’ve helped freelancers transition out of full-time jobs, construct steady impartial careers, and defend themselves in an unpredictable {industry}.
However advocacy can’t simply be the Union preventing for freelancers from the highest down—it must be freelancers driving the agenda. Meaning:
- Quarterly city halls so freelancers can share considerations and form Union priorities.
- A public advocacy tracker that exhibits precisely what the Union is engaged on and the way members can become involved.
- Clearer communication about wins, fights, and the way freelancers can take motion.
We are able to construct a system that protects freelancers. However provided that we battle for it collectively.
Diesha:
As Member Consultant, I’ll leverage my connections to drive coverage modifications that immediately profit freelancers, guaranteeing stronger authorized protections and larger recognition from the Division of Labor.
Marie:
As a long-time freelancer and official member of the Freelancers Union since 2021, I perceive the distinctive challenges and wishes of impartial staff. If elected because the Member Consultant, I’d leverage my expertise and stand-out dedication to additional advocate for our members within the following methods:
- Create accessible suggestions channels, guaranteeing numerous views are heard and act as a champion for our members;
- Additional advocate for driving coverage implementation and modifications that defend freelancer rights;
- Improve and create member assets because the freelance panorama modifications quickly;
- and promote transparency and accountability inside the board as an entire.
We are able to construct a system that protects freelancers. However provided that we battle for it collectively.
2. What are some points you wish to give attention to as a Member Consultant?
Bryan:
Dropping a serious freelance shopper taught me a tough lesson: I had put an excessive amount of of my enterprise into one firm, and once they lower me unfastened, I had no security internet.
However that have additionally reshaped my strategy to freelancing and highlighted how a lot the system is stacked towards us.
Freelancers are companies. However too many impartial staff are left with out primary protections or assets. That’s why my focus could be on:
- Unemployment advantages for freelancers. Conventional staff have security nets—why don’t we? The Union should proceed and develop work on the state degree to construct freelancer-inclusive unemployment insurance coverage applications, guaranteeing freelancers will pay in and accumulate advantages identical to different staff.
- Stronger contract enforcement and authorized assist. A contract is simply as sturdy as its enforceability. The Union already offers contract templates, and we have to go additional:
- Free or low-cost authorized consultations so freelancers can get professional evaluations on agreements.
- A authorized referral community that connects members with attorneys who focus on freelancer protections.
- Coaching on contract negotiations so freelancers enter agreements from a place of energy.
- Clear charges and enterprise schooling. Freelancers ought to know their price—and cost accordingly.
- Fee transparency needs to be the norm. Companies profit after we hold our charges secret—we profit after we share. When freelancers know what others are charging for comparable work, we will collectively elevate charges and set {industry} requirements.
- Extra expert-led enterprise coaching. From tax issues to entity formation, freelancers want actual schooling on operating a enterprise. The Union can supply coaching on structuring a enterprise, understanding tax obligations, and negotiating greater charges.
- Defending DEI in freelancing. The Trump administration is actively trying to penalize corporations for DEI applications. We can not ignore this. These rollbacks aren’t about “equity”—they’re about reinforcing systemic benefits.
I do know it might sound ironic for me, a white man, to be calling this out—however that’s precisely why I ought to. The folks more than likely to learn from the rollback of those insurance policies needs to be the loudest in rejecting them. We have to observe the affect of DEI rollbacks and create assist techniques for freelancers from marginalized communities—whether or not that’s entry to authorized assets, networking alternatives, or grants.
Freelancers deserve stability. And the Union can battle to make {that a} actuality.
Diesha:
- Honest Charges & Pricing Training: Many freelancers undervalue their companies. I need to equip freelancers with higher instruments and coaching to confidently worth their work and negotiate with shoppers.
- Stronger Contracts & Authorized Protections: I need to assist freelancers have higher contracts that defend their time, work, and funds. Strengthening contract schooling and enforcement will cut back late funds and scope creep, guaranteeing freelancers receives a commission pretty and on time.
- Enterprise Progress & Sustainability: Freelancing isn’t nearly survival—it’s about constructing a worthwhile and sustainable enterprise. I’d work on applications that assist freelancers transfer past the “feast or famine” cycle and create long-term stability.
Marie:
After all I’d proceed to enhance upon present open freelance points akin to healthcare advantages, retirement plans, inconsistent pay/cost delays, {and professional} improvement. However along with that, I’d prefer to get forward of potential rising points freelancers may face in 2025 and past, akin to:
- AI: Job displacement, notably areas like writing, knowledge entry, and primary coding, adapting expertise to work alongside AI, and guaranteeing moral issues associated to their work (i.e. algorithms, copyright)
- Freelance platform modifications and know-how: Some widespread freelance job platforms could change algorithms or price buildings, impacting potential incomes and visibility
- Financial and societal shifts: Uncertainty in nationwide and world financial fluctuations that might affect potential shoppers and demand for freelance companies total, the ever rising reputation of freelance work, and balancing work and psychological well being
3. How do you deal with problematic shoppers, and what’s your recommendation to others?
Bryan:
I’ve an unpaid bill sitting in limbo. The corporate authorized my article months in the past, and revealed it. After which silence.
Each freelancer has been there.
So what will we do?
- Begin with a contract that protects you. Late charges, upfront deposits, clear cost phrases. As a lawyer, I by no means do any work and not using a contract, and I assist different freelancers do the identical. If a shopper balks at signing a contract, that’s an enormous purple flag.
- Observe up professionally, however escalate when wanted. If a shopper stops responding, don’t wait—act.
- The Union may supply structured mediation companies to assist freelancers recuperate unpaid invoices with out costly authorized motion.
- If mediation fails, freelancers ought to have clear steering on learn how to escalate disputes—whether or not via small claims courtroom, authorized help, or collective stress.
- Make non-paying corporations public data.
- The Union already tracks non-paying corporations, however that checklist must be extra seen, and there have to be actual penalties for repeat offenders.
- We’d like a public-facing non-payment database so freelancers can test shopper histories earlier than accepting work.
- Stronger enforcement mechanisms—mediation, authorized motion, or public accountability—needs to be a part of the Union’s technique.
Freelancers ought to by no means must beg for their very own paychecks.
Diesha:
I strategy problematic shoppers with clear boundaries and agency expectations. Freelancers usually worry pushing again, however setting expectations early—via sturdy contracts, clear communication, and documented processes—prevents many points earlier than they come up.
When a shopper turns into troublesome, I prioritize information over feelings and at all times hold data of conversations, agreements, and invoices. If vital, I’m not afraid to stroll away from a poisonous state of affairs.
Marie:
From my very own expertise, I do know that avoiding problematic shoppers is essential for a profitable freelance profession. I’ve discovered to identify the purple flags early on and, much more importantly, I’ve developed clear agreements and shopper expectation paperwork as a part of my onboarding course of. My recommendation? Defend your self from the beginning with a strong contract and a well-defined checklist of expectations. However it goes past that. Positioning your self as a robust, impartial enterprise – not simply somebody taking gigs – is essential. Bear in mind, we’re not staff; we’re enterprise homeowners in B2B relationships. Sustaining that mindset, particularly when issues get difficult, is important. It is the easiest way to discourage those that may attempt to take benefit.
Bryan:
Freelancing can really feel isolating—however it doesn’t must.
We’d like areas—each bodily and digital—the place freelancers can join, assist one another, and develop collectively.
- Co-working areas exterior NYC. Proper now, the Union’s solely bodily coworking is in New York. That should change to incorporate extra areas with thriving freelancer communities like Chicago, LA, Seattle, and extra.
- On-line workshops and networking occasions. Whether or not it’s contract negotiation suggestions or industry-specific roundtables, freelancers want extra probabilities to be taught from one another.
- A Union-run freelancer discussion board or Slack neighborhood. An area for freelancers to ask for recommendation, share leads, and collaborate.
- Stronger native chapters. As freelancing grows, we’d like regional hubs the place members can manage, community, and advocate for state-level protections.
Group isn’t nearly networking—it’s about constructing a assist system.
Diesha:
I’ll promote coworking, participation in mentorship teams, and engagement in networking occasions as key methods to foster neighborhood and fight loneliness amongst freelancers.
Marie:
I consider open communication is totally important for our success as a union, and as your Member Consultant, I will be extremely accessible, relatable, and empathetic. I need to be somebody you belief to deliver your suggestions to – as a result of your voice issues. I am dedicated to constructing a real two-way dialogue, not simply broadcasting info. Meaning creating extra alternatives for engagement, each on-line and in individual. I consider in a “give, give, ask” strategy to on-line interplay, providing worth and constructing relationships earlier than asking for assist. Effectivity and effectiveness are core to how I function, and I am going to deliver that very same focus to this position. Leveraging know-how to make sure our communication channels are open, simple to make use of, and accessible is a prime precedence for me. Lastly, I am keen about constructing sturdy relationships – not solely with particular person members, but additionally with different organizations – to foster collaboration and develop our attain and affect.
5. After I’m not freelancing, I’m…
Bryan:
Touring the nation with my spouse and our canine in our campervan. However we additionally love coming dwelling. Freelancing provides us the liberty to discover new locations, but additionally the time to construct a house life that issues.
After which there’s wine. As a result of each freelancer wants a coping mechanism.
Wine has taught me one thing that freelancing doesn’t at all times permit for—persistence, presence, and appreciation for the method. You may’t rush a fantastic bottle of wine. It wants time. It wants care. And one of the best ones are formed by wrestle on the vine—the climate, the soil, the unpredictable situations that make the ultimate outcome distinctive.
Freelancing is similar method. The method isn’t at all times simple, however it shapes you into one thing higher.
Diesha:
Making an attempt out new eating places, cooking for buddies, and buying on the native market—okay, I admit, I really like meals! However past that, I’m additionally an avid DIYer, a passionate gardener, and a long-time kayaker who has lately began exploring paddle boarding.
Marie:
Spending time with household, enjoying sports activities, line dancing, and touring/adventuring.
6. What’s the primary tune in your Spotify or different streaming service playlist?
Bryan:
Music has at all times been a part of my life, and my playlists replicate my wide selection of tastes—from classical to jazz and Celtic folks to traditional rock.
Warning: now getting into the doubtless pretentious portion.
My prime performed tune for 2024 was Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3. It’s intricate, chaotic, and calls for every thing it’s important to give—identical to freelancing.
However after I’m writing? Jazz. Bud Powell, Artwork Blakey. Freelancing and jazz have rather a lot in widespread—there’s construction, but additionally improvisation. A fantastic jazz solo, like a fantastic freelance profession, explores, adapts, shifts gears—however at all times finds its rhythm.
And generally, probably the most highly effective half isn’t the be aware you play—it’s the silence in between.
Freelancing is similar method. Figuring out when to say no, when to pause, when to let issues breathe. It’s simply as necessary because the work itself.
Diesha:
“Unstoppable” by Sia as a result of it deeply resonates with my journey of resilience—pushing via challenges, overcoming adversity, and rising into the individual I’m in the present day.
Marie:
I’m Her by Natalie Jane
7. What else would you need members to learn about your self?
Bryan:
Freelancing wasn’t a part of my unique plan. I adopted the secure profession path—bought a bachelor’s, bought a legislation diploma, took conventional jobs. You understand, the accountable factor, the trail you’re presupposed to take.
Then I assumed, why not throw warning and a gentle paycheck to the wind and work for myself? Finest resolution I ever made. Completely terrifying. Would suggest.
Freelancing gave me the liberty to do work I care about, by myself phrases. It additionally gave me the identical struggles each freelancer faces—chasing late funds, coping with feast-or-famine cycles, and navigating a system that wasn’t constructed for us.
Exterior of labor, I’m at all times chasing new experiences. Freelancing made that potential and I need to ensure it’s a sustainable path for each impartial employee who chooses it or is compelled into it.
On the finish of the day, we’re the identical. Everyone knows what’s damaged in freelancing as a result of we’ve lived it. And that’s why I’m right here—to assist repair it, collectively.
Diesha:
I didn’t begin out as a freelancer. My profession started in a household enterprise within the industrial sector, the place I turned an proprietor and employer in my 20s. After promoting the enterprise in 2021, I transitioned to freelancing, bringing with me the enterprise methods I had honed whereas operating a bigger firm. That basis helped me efficiently launch my freelance profession, and now I really like sharing these insights with different freelancers as they discover their voice and develop their very own practices.
Marie:
I firmly consider within the energy and potential of the freelance profession. Nevertheless, because the smallest of companies – the enterprise of 1 – freelancers ceaselessly discover the legislative panorama lower than favorable. My dedication is to fiercely advocate for our freelance neighborhood and assist forge a legislative atmosphere the place impartial professionals can’t solely survive, however really thrive.
Candidate Bios:
Bryan:
Bryan Driscoll is a non-practicing lawyer, HR marketing consultant, and authorized content material author. As an HR marketing consultant, Bryan helps companies navigate advanced office challenges, guaranteeing compliance whereas fostering honest, people-centric workplaces. He additionally coaches particular person staff and job seekers, empowering them to advocate for themselves, perceive their rights, and navigate profession transitions with confidence. On the authorized content material writing facet, Bryan crafts authoritative, high-impact content material for legislation companies and authorized publications. His work has been featured in main publications together with Finest Legal professionals, Newsweek, and Forbes, incomes him recognition as a trusted voice in staff’ rights, employment legislation, HR compliance, and enterprise technique.
Diesha:
Diesha Cooper is a fractional CFO and COO, enterprise strategist, and entrepreneur devoted to serving to small companies and freelancers construct sustainable, worthwhile corporations. With years of expertise in finance, operations, and management, Diesha has labored with founders and freelancers throughout industries, guiding them via the complexities of scaling their companies with restricted capital. She is the founding father of Execuly, a fractional government model designed to empower impartial professionals, and has constructed a profession on serving to enterprise homeowners take management of their monetary and operational technique.
Along with her work as a enterprise marketing consultant, Diesha is deeply dedicated to fostering sturdy communities amongst impartial staff. She based the Six-Determine Circle, a training program that helps freelancers and small enterprise homeowners break previous revenue obstacles and construct thriving, resilient companies. With firsthand expertise navigating the challenges of freelancing—negotiating honest charges, managing shopper relationships, and guaranteeing monetary stability—Diesha is a passionate advocate for insurance policies and initiatives that assist freelancers in constructing sustainable careers.
When she’s not advising enterprise homeowners or talking on levels, Diesha enjoys exploring new enterprise ventures, savoring a cup of tea, and kayaking on a brand new lake, having fun with the recent air and the sense of journey it brings.
Marie:
Marie Rachelle is a seasoned freelancer with over a decade of expertise navigating the dynamic world of impartial work. Past her personal thriving freelance profession, Marie is the founding father of Convergence Coworking, an area she created particularly to foster neighborhood and collaboration amongst freelancers and distant staff in Buffalo. She additionally hosts Freelance Buffalo & Past, the area’s solely freelance convention, since 2019. She’s hosted over 200 freelance audio system and almost 100 classes specializing in This enterprise displays her deep dedication to creating supportive environments the place impartial professionals can join, develop, and thrive. Marie’s expertise as each a working freelancer and a neighborhood builder provides her a singular perspective on the wants of impartial professionals, making her a robust voice for freelancers all over the place.