Freelancers Union October 14, 2008 New York’s Uninsured Young Adults: Solutions on the Table

Freelancers Union The Problem: Outdated Safety Net Job Employer Employer-based Safety Net Includes: Health insurance Pension Training Right to unionize Career ladder Unemployment insurance Workplace protection laws Employer-based Safety Net Includes: Health insurance Pension Training Right to unionize Career ladder Unemployment insurance Workplace protection laws New Deal Economy long-term employment employer-based safety net Full-time Employee

Freelancers Union Shift in the Workforce Short-term Employees: Part-time Temporary New Economy short-term employment flexible workforce outdated safety net Work Assignments/ Projects Independent Contractors: Freelancers Consultants Self-employed Independent workers need a flexible safety net to access: Health Insurance Retirement Accounts Unemployment Insurance Workplace Protections Independent workers need a flexible safety net to access: Health Insurance Retirement Accounts Unemployment Insurance Workplace Protections Freelancers need a portable, mobile membership structure

Freelancers Union Nationally, independent workers make up 30% of workforce: Freelancers Consultants Self-employed Independent contractors Contingent employees Temps Part-timers

Freelancers Union Self-employment has accounted for 2/3 of NYC’s job base increase since The average worker holds 7 jobs between ages 18 and 27, changing jobs more frequently than older workers.

Freelancers Union Group Health Insurance Education & Events Advocacy Retirement Plan Online Community Discounts Gigs Union and members’ relationship is unmediated Group power in the market keeps benefits’ costs low Grouping creates political power Union and members’ interests are aligned

Freelancers Union Civil Society Hubs: Negotiate tailored plans Provide menu of vetted choices Enroll members Explain plan offerings Represent members as healthcare advocates Understand needs of members

Freelancers Union Top States: New York New Jersey California Pennsylvania Connecticut 87,000 Members Nationwide 19,000 Receive Health Insurance Florida Texas Georgia Illinois Massachusetts