Freelancers Union was created to serve the pursuits of unbiased staff, and member participation is essential to shaping the way forward for the group. We want you, the Freelancers Union members, to assist determine on the following Member Consultant to hitch our board.
The Member Consultant may have the identical obligations as all different board members, taking part in an integral function in growing our group’s technique for the long run. Take a look at the three candidates for the following Member Consultant under, and vote right here:
1. How would you employ your function as Member Consultant to advocate on behalf of members?
Bryan:
The Freelancers Union has already constructed an unbelievable basis for unbiased staff. Unions don’t simply profit their very own members—they elevate the usual for everybody.
Cities and states with vigorous union exercise have larger wages and higher advantages throughout industries—no matter union membership. That’s as a result of when unions battle, they set the bar larger 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 should battle for it in a different way.
The Freelancers Union already does nice work, and we have to go additional. Which means not simply advocating for freelancers, however ensuring each freelancer is aware of what’s taking place, has a say, and sees precise outcomes.
Three priorities I might give attention to:
- Unemployment advantages for freelancers. We deserve the choice to pay into and gather unemployment, similar to workers. 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 want actual authorized penalties for non-payment and a Union-backed mediation system that freelancers can truly use when purchasers stall.
- A vetted freelancer job board. Too many job postings result in purchasers who lowball or delay cost. We want a trusted Union-run platform the place solely corporations with a historical past of truthful pay and truthful contracts can put up 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 will be for freelancers. Large 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 unbiased 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 dangerous purchasers. I’ve helped freelancers transition out of full-time jobs, construct secure unbiased careers, and shield themselves in an unpredictable {industry}.
However advocacy can’t simply be the Union combating for freelancers from the highest down—it must be freelancers driving the agenda. Which means:
- Quarterly city halls so freelancers can share considerations and form Union priorities.
- A public advocacy tracker that reveals 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 will 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 adjustments that immediately profit freelancers, guaranteeing stronger authorized protections and better 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 desires of unbiased staff. If elected because the Member Consultant, I might 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 adjustments that shield freelancer rights;
- Improve and create member sources because the freelance panorama adjustments quickly;
- and promote transparency and accountability throughout the board as an entire.
We will construct a system that protects freelancers. However provided that we battle for it collectively.
2. What are some points you want 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 free, I had no security web.
However that have additionally reshaped my strategy to freelancing and highlighted how a lot the system is stacked in opposition to us.
Freelancers are companies. However too many unbiased staff are left with out primary protections or sources. 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 broaden work on the state degree to construct freelancer-inclusive unemployment insurance coverage applications, guaranteeing freelancers will pay in and gather advantages similar to different staff.
- Stronger contract enforcement and authorized help. A contract is barely as sturdy as its enforceability. The Union already gives contract templates, and we have to go additional:
- Free or low-cost authorized consultations so freelancers can get professional opinions on agreements.
- A authorized referral community that connects members with attorneys who specialise in freelancer protections.
- Coaching on contract negotiations so freelancers enter agreements from a place of power.
- Clear charges and enterprise training. Freelancers ought to know their price—and cost accordingly.
- Fee transparency ought to be the norm. Companies profit once we hold our charges secret—we profit once 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 concerns to entity formation, freelancers want actual training on operating a enterprise. The Union can provide coaching on structuring a enterprise, understanding tax obligations, and negotiating larger charges.
- Defending DEI in freelancing. The Trump administration is actively making an attempt to penalize corporations for DEI applications. We can’t ignore this. These rollbacks aren’t about “equity”—they’re about reinforcing systemic benefits.
I do know it may appear ironic for me, a white man, to be calling this out—however that’s precisely why I ought to. The individuals probably to learn from the rollback of those insurance policies ought to be the loudest in rejecting them. We have to monitor the impression of DEI rollbacks and create help programs for freelancers from marginalized communities—whether or not that’s entry to authorized sources, networking alternatives, or grants.
Freelancers deserve stability. And the Union can battle to make {that a} actuality.
Diesha:
- Truthful Charges & Pricing Schooling: Many freelancers undervalue their providers. I wish to equip freelancers with higher instruments and coaching to confidently value their work and negotiate with purchasers.
- Stronger Contracts & Authorized Protections: I wish to assist freelancers have higher contracts that shield their time, work, and funds. Strengthening contract training and enforcement will scale 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:
In fact I’d proceed to enhance upon present open freelance points comparable 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 would possibly face in 2025 and past, comparable to:
- AI: Job displacement, significantly areas like writing, information entry, and primary coding, adapting expertise to work alongside AI, and guaranteeing moral concerns associated to their work (i.e. algorithms, copyright)
- Freelance platform adjustments and know-how: Some in style freelance job platforms could change algorithms or price constructions, impacting potential incomes and visibility
- Financial and societal shifts: Uncertainty in nationwide and international financial fluctuations that would impression potential purchasers and demand for freelance providers total, the ever rising reputation of freelance work, and balancing work and psychological well being
3. How do you deal with problematic purchasers, and what’s your recommendation to others?
Bryan:
I’ve an unpaid bill sitting in limbo. The corporate permitted my article months in the past, and printed 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 with no contract, and I assist different freelancers do the identical. If a shopper balks at signing a contract, that’s an enormous crimson flag.
- Comply with up professionally, however escalate when wanted. If a shopper stops responding, don’t wait—act.
- The Union may provide structured mediation providers to assist freelancers recuperate unpaid invoices with out costly authorized motion.
- If mediation fails, freelancers ought to have clear steerage on escalate disputes—whether or not via small claims court docket, 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 should be actual penalties for repeat offenders.
- We want a public-facing non-payment database so freelancers can verify shopper histories earlier than accepting work.
- Stronger enforcement mechanisms—mediation, authorized motion, or public accountability—ought to be a part of the Union’s technique.
Freelancers ought to by no means should beg for their very own paychecks.
Diesha:
I strategy problematic purchasers with clear boundaries and agency expectations. Freelancers typically 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 tough, I prioritize details over feelings and all the time hold data of conversations, agreements, and invoices. If needed, 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 purchasers is essential for a profitable freelance profession. I’ve realized to identify the crimson 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? Shield your self from the beginning with a strong contract and a well-defined checklist of expectations. Nevertheless it goes past that. Positioning your self as a robust, unbiased enterprise – not simply somebody taking gigs – is vital. Bear in mind, we’re not workers; we’re enterprise house owners in B2B relationships. Sustaining that mindset, particularly when issues get difficult, is crucial. It is the easiest way to discourage those that would possibly attempt to take benefit.
Bryan:
Freelancing can really feel isolating—nevertheless it doesn’t should.
We want areas—each bodily and digital—the place freelancers can join, help one another, and develop collectively.
- Co-working areas outdoors 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 group. An area for freelancers to ask for recommendation, share leads, and collaborate.
- Stronger native chapters. As freelancing grows, we want regional hubs the place members can set up, community, and advocate for state-level protections.
Neighborhood isn’t nearly networking—it’s about constructing a help system.
Diesha:
I’ll promote coworking, participation in mentorship teams, and engagement in networking occasions as key methods to foster group and fight loneliness amongst freelancers.
Marie:
I imagine open communication is completely important for our success as a union, and as your Member Consultant, I will be extremely accessible, relatable, and empathetic. I wish to be somebody you belief to convey your suggestions to – as a result of your voice issues. I am dedicated to constructing a real two-way dialogue, not simply broadcasting info. Which means creating extra alternatives for engagement, each on-line and in particular person. I imagine in a “give, give, ask” strategy to on-line interplay, providing worth and constructing relationships earlier than asking for help. Effectivity and effectiveness are core to how I function, and I will convey that very same focus to this function. Leveraging know-how to make sure our communication channels are open, straightforward to make use of, and accessible is a high precedence for me. Lastly, I am enthusiastic about constructing sturdy relationships – not solely with particular person members, but in addition with different organizations – to foster collaboration and broaden our attain and impression.
5. Once I’m not freelancing, I’m…
Bryan:
Touring the nation with my spouse and our canine in our campervan. However we additionally love coming residence. Freelancing offers us the liberty to discover new locations, but in addition 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 all the time permit for—persistence, presence, and appreciation for the method. You may’t rush an awesome bottle of wine. It wants time. It wants care. And the very best ones are formed by battle on the vine—the climate, the soil, the unpredictable circumstances that make the ultimate end result distinctive.
Freelancing is identical approach. The method isn’t all the time straightforward, nevertheless it shapes you into one thing higher.
Diesha:
Attempting out new eating places, cooking for buddies, and purchasing 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 not too long ago began exploring paddle boarding.
Marie:
Spending time with household, taking part in sports activities, line dancing, and touring/adventuring.
6. What’s the primary music in your Spotify or different streaming service playlist?
Bryan:
Music has all the time been a part of my life, and my playlists replicate my wide selection of tastes—from classical to jazz and Celtic folks to basic rock.
Warning: now getting into the doubtless pretentious portion.
My high performed music for 2024 was Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3. It’s intricate, chaotic, and calls for all the pieces you need to give—similar to freelancing.
However once I’m writing? Jazz. Bud Powell, Artwork Blakey. Freelancing and jazz have rather a lot in frequent—there’s construction, but in addition improvisation. An incredible jazz solo, like an awesome freelance profession, explores, adapts, shifts gears—however all the time finds its rhythm.
And typically, essentially the most highly effective half isn’t the observe you play—it’s the silence in between.
Freelancing is identical approach. Realizing when to say no, when to pause, when to let issues breathe. It’s simply as essential 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 particular person I’m right now.
Marie:
I’m Her by Natalie Jane
7. What else would you need members to find out about your self?
Bryan:
Freelancing wasn’t a part of my authentic plan. I adopted the protected profession path—received a bachelor’s, received a regulation diploma, took conventional jobs. You already know, the accountable factor, the trail you’re presupposed to take.
Then I believed, why not throw warning and a gradual paycheck to the wind and work for myself? Finest determination 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 all the time chasing new experiences. Freelancing made that attainable and I wish to make sure that it’s a sustainable path for each unbiased 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 imagine 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 group and assist forge a legislative surroundings the place unbiased professionals cannot solely survive, however really thrive.
Candidate Bios:
Bryan:
Bryan Driscoll is a non-practicing lawyer, HR guide, and authorized content material author. As an HR guide, Bryan helps companies navigate complicated office challenges, guaranteeing compliance whereas fostering truthful, 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 regulation corporations and authorized publications. His work has been featured in main publications together with Finest Attorneys, Newsweek, and Forbes, incomes him recognition as a trusted voice in staff’ rights, employment regulation, 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 unbiased professionals, and has constructed a profession on serving to enterprise house owners take management of their monetary and operational technique.
Along with her work as a enterprise guide, Diesha is deeply dedicated to fostering sturdy communities amongst unbiased staff. She based the Six-Determine Circle, a training program that helps freelancers and small enterprise house owners break previous revenue boundaries and construct thriving, resilient companies. With firsthand expertise navigating the challenges of freelancing—negotiating truthful charges, managing shopper relationships, and guaranteeing monetary stability—Diesha is a passionate advocate for insurance policies and initiatives that help freelancers in constructing sustainable careers.
When she’s not advising enterprise house owners 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 contemporary 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 unbiased work. Past her personal thriving freelance profession, Marie is the founding father of Convergence Coworking, an area she created particularly to foster group 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 practically 100 classes specializing in This enterprise displays her deep dedication to creating supportive environments the place unbiased professionals can join, develop, and thrive. Marie’s expertise as each a working freelancer and a group builder offers her a singular perspective on the wants of unbiased professionals, making her a robust voice for freelancers all over the place.
