Recognize and Protect Freelance Workers in the U.S. Digital Economy
Freelance work has become a fundamental part of the modern labor landscape, especially in the United States, where millions rely on it for income, flexibility, and independence. From designers and writers to developers and consultants, freelancers power key industries and keep the digital economy running. Yet, despite their growing presence and impact, they remain largely invisible in labor laws and protections.
This growing segment of the workforce is often left vulnerable to late or non-payments, lacks access to affordable healthcare and retirement plans, and has little to no legal recourse when disputes arise. The imbalance between the value freelancers bring to the economy and the support they receive is both unjust and unsustainable.
Current labor policies have not evolved in step with the rise of gig and freelance work. It's time for Congress to act. Freelancers are not hobbyists or side hustlersā€”they are essential contributors to innovation and productivity, and they deserve to be treated as such.
We call on Congress to:
Enact legislation that guarantees timely payment and enforces contracts for freelancers;
Expand access to portable health, disability, and retirement benefits tailored to independent workers;
Establish legal frameworks that support fair dispute resolution between freelancers and clients/platforms;
Formally recognize freelancers as a protected category of workers in relevant labor and tax codes.
Protecting freelancers is not just about fairnessā€”it's about economic resilience. When independent workers thrive, so does the economy as a whole. By standing up for the rights of freelancers, Congress can take a bold step toward a more inclusive and future-ready workforce.
This growing segment of the workforce is often left vulnerable to late or non-payments, lacks access to affordable healthcare and retirement plans, and has little to no legal recourse when disputes arise. The imbalance between the value freelancers bring to the economy and the support they receive is both unjust and unsustainable.
Current labor policies have not evolved in step with the rise of gig and freelance work. It's time for Congress to act. Freelancers are not hobbyists or side hustlersā€”they are essential contributors to innovation and productivity, and they deserve to be treated as such.
We call on Congress to:
Enact legislation that guarantees timely payment and enforces contracts for freelancers;
Expand access to portable health, disability, and retirement benefits tailored to independent workers;
Establish legal frameworks that support fair dispute resolution between freelancers and clients/platforms;
Formally recognize freelancers as a protected category of workers in relevant labor and tax codes.
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Protecting freelancers is not just about fairnessā€”it's about economic resilience. When independent workers thrive, so does the economy as a whole. By standing up for the rights of freelancers, Congress can take a bold step toward a more inclusive and future-ready workforce.
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