Understanding the gig economy - Recruiting Resources
The gig economy is shaping the conversation around the future of work. What does it mean? Is it real? How do we measure on-demand work and legislate for it?
Freelancers Union
HR expert Mervyn Dinnen says that freelance relationship officer is “a role whose time has come” and foresees more attention being paid to the way companies manage their reputation among freelancers. The <anchor>Freelancers Union</anchor> and their #FreelanceIsn’tFree campaign have already shown how gig workers can make themselves heard and gain traction. Our world of work is being reshaped but its final form will be contested.
Advocacy - Freelancers Union
Advocacy - Freelancers Union

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# We fight to amplify the  voices of 60 million   independent workers  in the U.S.

We know freelancers are special, and we won’t rest until everyone else does, too. Since its founding in 1995, Freelancers Union has fought for and won protections for independent workers. In partnership with our 501(c)3, Working Today, we help build safeguards, benefits, a voice, and solidarity for the changing workforce, to make freelancing fair.

- [JOIN FOR FREE](/join/)

![](https://freelancersunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/advocacy-new.png)

#### Policy Advocacy

### What We’re Fighting For

##### The Freelance Isn’t Free Law

## Non-payment violates a basic agreement we have here in this country: work deserves pay.

[Learn More About the Law](/advocacy/freelance-isnt-free/)

##### Paid Leave

## Life happens and when it does, EVERYONE deserves to be covered.

[Learn More About Paid Leave](/advocacy/paid-leave/)

##### NYC Human Rights Law

## Working in environments where you feel respected, valued, and safe should be a given.

[Learn More](advocacy/nyc-human-rights-law/)

##### Pandemic Unemployment Insurance

## Prior to 2020, freelancers were unable to access unemployment benefits. We changed that.

[Learn More](/advocacy/the-freelancers-guide-to-pandemic-unemployment-assistance/)

#### Freelancing IN America Today

### Check Your state

Select StateAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict Of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

#### AL

- [Common Law Test](https://labor.alabama.gov/Reporting%20form.docx)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### AK

- [ABC Test](https://labor.alaska.gov/)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### AZ

- [Common Law](https://www.azica.gov/divisions/labor-department)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### AR

- [ABC Test](https://dws.arkansas.gov/workforce-services/employers/worker-misclassification/)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### CA

- [Paid Leave](https://edd.ca.gov/en/disability/paid-family-leave/Self-Employed/)
- [Freelance Isn't Free - Los Angeles](https://wagesla.lacity.org/)
- [Freelance Isn't Free (State In Process)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB988#99INT)
- [Non-Compete Ban](https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-reminds-employers-and-workers-noncompete-agreements-are)
- [California Civil Rights Law](https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/)
- [State-Sponsored Retirement Program](https://www.calsavers.com/?language=en)
- [ABC Test](https://www.labor.ca.gov/employmentstatus/)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### CO

- [Paid Leave](https://famli.colorado.gov/individuals-and-families)
- [State-Sponsored Retirement Program](https://coloradosecuresavings.com/)
- [A&C of ABC Test](https://cdle.colorado.gov/independent-contractors)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### CT

- [Paid Leave](https://ctpaidleave.org/s/sole-proprietor-and-self-employed?language=en_US)
- [State-Sponsored Retirement Program](https://myctsavings.com/)
- [ABC Test](https://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/wgwkstnd/jec/JEC-FAQs.htm)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### DE

- [Paid Leave](https://news.delaware.gov/2022/05/11/governor-carney-signs-paid-family-leave-legislation/)
- [ABC Test](http://ction-industry/workplace-fraud/)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### FL

- [Common Law](https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/rt_employee.aspx)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### GA

- [Freelance Isn't Free (In Process)](https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/67170)
- [ABC Test](https://dol.georgia.gov/contact-us/unemployment-fraud-information)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### HI

- [ABC Test](https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/test-handbook-for-employers/)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### ID

- [A&C of ABC Test](https://iic.idaho.gov/employee-or-independent-contractor/)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### IL

- [Freelance Isn't Free](https://labor.illinois.gov/laws-rules/legal/freelance-worker-protection-act)
- [State-Sponsored Retirement Program](https://www.ilsecurechoice.com/)
- [ABC Test](https://tax.illinois.gov/programs/fraud/employee-misclassification.html)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### IN

- [ABC Test](https://www.in.gov/dol/wage-and-hour/worker-misclassification/)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### IA

- [Common Law](https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/misclassification-workers-iowa)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### KS

- [(In Process) Freelance Isn't Free](http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2399/)
- [ABC Test](https://www.dol.ks.gov/employers)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### KY

- [Common Law](https://kewes.ky.gov/Employertax/Misc_info.aspx)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### LA

- [ABC Test](https://www.laworks.net/UnemploymentInsurance/MisclassWorker.asp)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### ME

- [Paid Leave (Begins 2026)](https://www.maine.gov/labor/pfml/)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### MD

- [Paid Leave](https://dbm.maryland.gov/employees/Pages/Leave_home.aspx)
- [State-Sponsored Retirement Program](https://marylandsaves.com/)
- [ABC Test](https://www.dllr.state.md.us/workplace/)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### MA

- [Paid Leave](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/paid-family-and-medical-leave-coverage-for-self-employed-individuals)
- [Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act](https://mccr.maryland.gov/Pages/Employment-Discrimination.aspx)
- [ABC Test](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/independent-contractors-0)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### MI

- [Common Law](https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/uia/tools/fact-sheets/employee-misclassification)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### MN

- [Paid Leave](https://mn.gov/deed/programs-services/paid-family/)
- [Freelance Isn't Free - Minneapolis](https://minimumwage.minneapolismn.gov/wagetheft.html)
- [Minnesota Human Rights Act](https://mn.gov/mdhr/yourrights/mhra/)
- [Non-Compete Ban](https://www.dli.mn.gov/workers/worker-rights-and-protections)
- [Common Law](https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/employment-practices/worker-misclassification)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### MS

- [Common Law](https://mdes.ms.gov/employers/unemployment-tax/reporting-and-filing/worker-classification/)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### MO

- [(In Process) Freelance Isn't Free](https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1331&year=2023&code=R)
- [Common Law](https://labor.mo.gov/off-the-books)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### MT

- [A&C of ABC Test](https://erd.dli.mt.gov/work-comp-regulations/montana-contractor/independent-contractor)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### NE

- [ABC Test](https://dol.nebraska.gov/LaborStandards/WorkerRights/EmployeeClassificationAct)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### NV

- [ABC Test](https://labor.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/labornvgov/content/Employer/Independent%20Contractor%20-%20Information%20Sheet.pdf)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### NH

- [ABC Test](https://www.nh.gov/nhworkers/)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### NJ

- [(In Process) Freelance Isn't Free](https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2022/S1923)
- [Law Against Discrimination](https://www.nj.gov/csc/about/about/regulations/discrimination_laws.html#:~:text=NEW%20JERSEY%20LAW%20AGAINST%20DISCRIMINATION,partnership%20status%2C%20affectional%20or%20sexual)
- [ABC Test](https://www.nj.gov/labor/wageandhour/tools-resources/laws/?_gl=1*18d2ojr*_ga*Mjg1Mjg1OTYzLjE2OTM5MzU3Njk.*_ga_N8RFJ4LE4D*MTY5MzkzNTc2OC4xLjAuMTY5MzkzNTc2OC4wLjAuMA..)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### NM

- [ABC Test](https://www.dws.state.nm.us/en-us/Misclassification)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### NY

- [Paid Family Leave](https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/self-employed-individuals)
- [Freelance Isn't Free - NYC](https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/workersrights/freelancer-workers.page)
- [Freelance Isn't Free - NY State](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S5026)
- [New York City Human Rights Law](https://www.nyc.gov/site/cchr/law/the-law.page)
- [New York State Human Rights Law](https://dhr.ny.gov/new-york-state-human-rights-law)
- [NY LLC Transparency Law](https://www.nysenate.gov/node/8370674)
- [Fashion Workers Act (In Process)](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S2477/amendment/B)
- [Common Law](https://dol.ny.gov/employer-misclassification-workers)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### NC

- [Common Law](https://www.labor.nc.gov/workplace-rights/employee-rights-regarding-time-worked-and-wages-earned/independent-contractor-vs-employee#:~:text=If%20you%20believe%20that%20you,919)%20508%2D8300..)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### ND

- [Common Law](https://www.nd.gov/labor/wage-and-hour-topics/independent-contractor-verification)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### OH

- [Freelance Isnt Free - Columbus, Ohio](https://www.columbus.gov/wagetheft/)
- [ABC Test](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-3358:5-11-04)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### OK

- [A&B or A&C of ABC Test](https://oklahoma.gov/oesc.html)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### OR

- [Paid Leave](https://paidleave.oregon.gov/self-employed/overview.html)
- [State-Sponsored Retirement Program](https://www.oregonsaves.com/gateway)
- [ABC test](https://www.oregon.gov/ic/independent/pages/ee-ic.aspx)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### PA

- [A&C of ABC Test](https://www.dli.pa.gov/getclassified/Pages/default.aspx)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### RI

- [ABC Test](https://dlt.ri.gov/regulation-and-safety/worker-misclassification)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### SC

- [Common Law](https://dew.sc.gov/)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### SD

- [Common Law](https://dlr.sd.gov/ra/businesses/documents/independent_contractor_or_employee_fact_sheet.pdf)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### TN

- [ABC Test](https://www.tn.gov/workforce/injuries-at-work/employers/employers/compliance/employee-misclassification.html)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### TX

- [Common Law](https://www.twc.texas.gov/businesses/classifying-employees-independent-contractors)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### UT

- [ABC Test](https://jobs.utah.gov/ui/Employer/Public/WorkerClassification.aspx)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### VT

- [ABC Test](https://labor.vermont.gov/sites/labor/files/doc_library/Who%20is%20an%20Employee%20vs.%20Independent%20Contractor.pdf)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### VA

- [Paid Leave - DC](https://dcpaidfamilyleave.dc.gov/self-employed/)
- [State-Sponsored Retirement Program](https://www.retirepathva.com/)
- [A&B or A&C of ABC Test](https://www.tax.virginia.gov/worker-misclassification)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### WA

- [Paid Leave](https://paidleave.wa.gov/elective-coverage/)
- [Freelance Isn't Free - Seattle](https://www.seattle.gov/laborstandards/ordinances/independent-contractor-protections-)
- [Washington Law Against Discrimination](https://www.hum.wa.gov/employment)
- [ABC Test](https://esd.wa.gov/employer-taxes/independent-contractors)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### WV

- [ABC Test](https://labor.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### WI

- [A&C of ABC Test](https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/worker-classification/)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

#### WY

- [A&C of ABC Test](https://dws.wyo.gov/)

[File a Complaint](/resources/file-complaint/) [Email Legislator](/email-legislator/)

FEDERAL LAWS

- [Federal Corporate Transparency Act](https://www.fincen.gov/news/news-releases/us-beneficial-ownership-information-registry-now-accepting-reports#:~:text=The%20bipartisan%20Corporate%20Transparency%20Act,secure%2C%20and%20free%20of%20charge.)
- [Retirement Plans for Freelancers](https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-for-self-employed-people)
- [U.S. Independent Contractor Classification](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa/misclassification/rulemaking)
- [Further Independent Contractor](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/independent-contractor-self-employed-or-employee)

#### Data & Research

### There is Power in Numbers

It is time for freelancers to be acknowledged for the substantial contributions they provide to economies across the country. We’re certain that when data identifies our numbers, issues, and the economic activity we contribute to our communities, it will take us in the right direction.

##### Freelance Economic Impact Report

## Freelancers can’t be ignored when data identifies our numbers

Freelancing has continued to be an increasingly large sector of the workforce in the United States. The pandemic fueled a greater desire for flexibility and freedom when it comes to work, which led to “The Great Resignation” and then, ultimately, a massive rise in freelancing over the last few years.This report continues to be a leading analysis of the size and growth of independent professionals across the country, as well as an interesting look at their population in specific metro areas.

[View the Report](https://www.fiverr.com/freelance-impact)

##### Freelancing in America

## One-Third of America is Freelancing

This study, conducted as a partnership between Freelancers Union and Upwork, reveals that 57 million Americans, representing 35% of the workforce, freelanced this year. This workforce contributes nearly $1 trillion dollars to the economy — that’s 5% of GDP. It explores why 60% of freelancers say they choose to work for themselves, despite challenges such as affordable healthcare, savings, retirement planning, and fair payment.

[View the Results Deck](https://www.slideshare.net/secret/9pLMcIvcE8QIl7/password_challenge)

#### Previous Studies

[StudyFreelancing in NYC 2019](/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Freelancing_in_New_York_Report_2019_1.pdf)

[StudyFreelancing in America 2018](/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/freelancinginamericareport-2018.pdf)

[StudyFreelancing in America 2017](/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FreelancingInAmericaReport-2017.pdf)

[StudyFreelancing in America 2016](/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FU_FreelancinginAmerica2016_Survey.pdf)

[StudyFreelancing in America 2015](/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FU_FreelancinginAmerica2015_Survey.pdf)

[StudyFreelancing in America 2014](https://www.slideshare.net/oDesk/global-freelancer-surveyresearch-38467323/1)

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