FREELANCERS UNION BLOG

  • Advocacy

All Good Things Must Come to an End

Editor’s Note: Guest blogger Joseph Caserto is the outgoing Member Representative on the Freelancers Union Board of Directors. He’s also a design professional, educator, and consultant. Learn all about him at www.josephcaserto.com.

Two years ago, Freelancers Union members elected me to represent them on the Board of Directors. It has been an amazing experience to serve as Member Representative, and now it’s time to move on. Before I go, I’d like to thank my fellow members and directors, and congratulate my successor, Ina Chang.

It has been a pleasure meeting so many fellow independent workers during my term, and I want to thank you all for your invaluable feedback, which was my biggest asset as I voted on issues that came before the Board. Whether we spoke in person on the bus to Albany to lobby for the Payment Protection Act, at a Meetup here in New York or a conference in Boulder, or via email or video chat from opposite coasts, hearing what you had to say proved to me how much we have in common, and how much work we still have to do to bring fairness to the independent workforce.

It has also been my pleasure to work with my fellow board members. I’ve learned so much from all of you, and am proud of what we’ve accomplished together during these past two very important years for Freelancers Union. The work we’ve done has made Freelancers Union stronger during this period of unprecedented growth.

Ina Chang, congratulations on your new role as Member Rep, and I wish you every success in a role that I’m sure you’ll find rewarding and fulfilling. In my experience, the feedback and support from the members will prove to be your biggest resource. Don’t forget, I’m one of them, so please don’t hesitate to ask me what’s on my mind, or let me know how I can help!

As I’ve said before, I feel like I’ve had the opportunity to take part in a new labor movement for America’s workers. How we make our livings is changing forever, and the rules need to change to ensure that future generations are protected from deadbeat clients who don’t pay, have access to affordable, quality healthcare, can plan for a financially secure retirement, and can rely on support from a strong community.

Again, thank you all so much for your help and support during my term as Member Rep. Ina, good luck in your new role to bring the members’ perspective into the board room. As for me, I’ll continue to be an active Freelancers Union member. There’s still work to be done, and we are what we need to get it done.

Freelancers Union Creating a better future for all independent workers across the United States.

View Website