It’s no secret that elections have consequences, but more and more we are seeing how local elections have the most impactful consequences of all. Did you know that in 2021, the average City Council Member was elected with fewer than 14,000 votes, while districts have 171,000 people on average? Some districts have been won with as little as 2 votes, our membership in some of these districts meet or exceed that number.

That’s why we urge YOU to demonstrate OUR power as freelancers and show up on this upcoming Election Day.

As a voice for the freelance community, the Freelancers Union is committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of independent workers in New York City. With the upcoming City Council primary election on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, and early voting already in process, we are proud to announce our endorsements for a group of outstanding candidates who share our vision of supporting and empowering freelancers.

Freelancers Union endorses NYC City Council Members: Carlina River (District 2 - Manhattan), Erik Bottcher (District 3 - Manhattan), Keith Powers (District 4 - Manhattan), Julie Menin (District 5 - Manhattan), Gale A. Brewer (District 6 - Manhattan), Shaun Abreu (District 7 - Manhattan),  Carmen N. De La Rosa (District 10 - Manhattan), Kevin C. Riley (District 12 - Bronx), Marjorie Velázquez (District 13  - Bronx), Amanda Farías (District 18 - Bronx), Francisco P. Moya (District 21 - Queens), Tiffany Cabán (District 22 - Queens), Adrienne E. Adams (District 28 - Queens), Lynn C. Schulman (District 29 - Queens), Lincoln Restler (District 33 - Brooklyn), Crystal Hudson (District 35 - Brooklyn), Chi Ossé (District 36 - Brooklyn), Sandy Nurse (District 37 - Brooklyn), Shahana K. Hanif (District 39 - Brooklyn), Rita C. Joseph (District 40 - Brooklyn), Farah N. Louis (District 45 - Brooklyn), Mercedes Narcisse (District 46 - Brooklyn).

The endorsed candidates are from various districts across Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. These individuals have demonstrated a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by freelancers and have pledged to work towards creating a fair and inclusive environment for independent workers.

We enthusiastically support these members for their dedication to the movement for independent workers' rights. Included in our criteria for endorsements was each member's support for three crucial initiatives:

• Reducing the monetary threshold for coverage under the Freelance Isn't Free Act (Int 0824-2022): The raising of the existing Freelance Isn't Free Acts threshold aims to protect more freelancers from nonpayment and provides them with legal recourse if clients fail to pay. We know in NYC, $250 is the difference between paying rent and feeding families. By endorsing this initiative, these City Council Members have demonstrated their commitment to strengthening the rights of freelancers and ensuring that they receive timely and fair compensation for their work.
  
• Regulating covenants not to compete for freelance workers (Int 0826-2022): Covenants not to compete, also known as non-compete agreements, can restrict freelancers' ability to seek work in their chosen field. Our endorsed City Council Members recognize the need to protect freelancers from unnecessary barriers and ensure their ability to pursue diverse work opportunities.
  
• Resolution recognizing April as Freelancers Appreciation Month in New York City (Res 0396-2022): This resolution acknowledges the significant contributions of freelancers to New York City's economy and culture. These City Council Members highlight their support for recognizing and appreciating the invaluable role that freelancers play in the city's workforce.

With over 1.3 million freelancers in New York City, the freelance revolution is here. Independent workers are graphic designers and creatives, but they are also substitute teachers, gig workers and many more in between. For too long freelancers have been excluded from basic protections under the social safety net and left to fend for themselves. Despite working independently, they are no longer alone; that is why we are excited to endorse this slate of Democratic Council Members – who span the gambit ideologically – because all workers’ rights mean something in this city and we could not accomplish our goals without their dedication to the freelance cause.

Now let’s get out the vote!