Do You Support Protections For Freelance Workers? 📑🔒
This week I’m writing to talk to you about an important bill I’m fighting for in Springfield: the Freelance Worker Protection Act (FWPA). This bill (HB 1122) aims to expand legal protections for freelance workers in Illinois who currently lack basic protections other workers may take for granted — the right to a written contract, the right to negotiate free from retaliation, and the right to be paid for their work on time.
Freelancing is a rapidly growing and crucial sector of the economy: In 2022, 60 million Americans freelanced, making up 39% of the total workforce and contributing $1.35 trillion to the national economy. However, 71% of freelancers experience late or non-payment and only 28% of freelancers say that they consistently have received a clear, written contract for work.
Freelance workers are workers, entitled to full payment for their work. And considering the majority of freelancers report that they live ‘paycheck to paycheck,’ we need statutory protections to help people stay afloat. That’s why I’m calling the FWPA for a vote in the House Labor and Commerce Committee this week, but I could use your support!
If you believe that freelance workers deserve the right to a written contract, the right to negotiate free from retaliation, and the right to be paid for their work on time, you can help me pass the FWPA by filling out a witness slip in support of the bill at this link: bit.ly/Freelancewitness (Click here for instructions). You can also get engaged and show your support for the bill by adding your name to this petition and telling the Illinois General Assembly to pass the FWPA now.
With the Freelance Worker Protection Act, Illinois has the opportunity to lead nationally in establishing protections for this crucial sector of the economy.
If you have questions about this bill, or any other bill I'm sponsoring in Springfield, or have any ideas for future legislation I should consider, please write back and let me know.
All the best,
Representative Will Guzzardi,
39th District
TEEN OPPORTUNITY FAIRS
Teens (ages 13-19) are invited to attend the 2023 Teen Opportunity Fairs, hosted by the Chicago Park District. At the Fairs you can:
Apply for a summer job with the Chicago Park District (ages 16+)
Learn about recreational programs offered in the parks
Obtain job readiness skills, including interviewing and resume writing
Interact with professionals from a wide range of fields and vocations
Gain exposure to educational programs and services
The Fairs are free and advanced registration is encouraged. Click here to register and learn more. >>>
NONPROFIT CAPACITY BUILDING SUMMIT
The City of Chicago’s next Nonprofit Readiness Summit is taking place on Thursday, March 9th.
This half-day virtual session will support community-based organizations and service providers in becoming more aware of and better positioned to apply for grants and contracts funded by Chicago Recovery Plan and other economic recovery funding streams.
CTA SECOND CHANCE PROGRAM
CTA’s Second Chance program is a nationally recognized program that provides valuable job skills and career opportunities to Chicago residents who often face challenges re-entering the workforce.
The Second Chance program takes a holistic approach to preparing individuals to be self-sufficient. It not only provides jobs to returning citizens, victims of abuse and others who face barriers to employment, but also offers a wide range of training, education, mentoring and networking opportunities.
To apply, job seekers can complete a Second Chance Program interest survey. All eligible applicants will be invited to attend a direct hiring event session.