Donnybrook Production Services

This might put me in the minority of the self-employed, but over my first few years in business I’ve yet to be outright stiffed on an invoice.  Granted, I’ve had a bill or two contested, but ultimately an outcome was reached amicably and I wasn’t left completely in the lurch.  Nevertheless, there are many who have been, and in the coming months a noble undertaking will look to shed light on this demoralizing trend.

Drafting what they’re referring to as the ‘worlds longest invoice’, the Freelancers Union is endeavoring to thrust deadbeat clients in to unflattering cross hairs of exposure.  By providing independent contractors with an opportunity to tell their story, and add their outstanding invoices to a collective tally, the advocacy non-profit is hoping to curb this all-too-common fiscal evasion…and perhaps get a few folks paid in the process.

If the immediate gain is exposure, the long run objective seems to be enacted legislation that would offer more readily available recourse to freelancers that are due payment. Regardless, it’s an initiative worthy of publicity, and more information can be found on the Freelancers Union website.  #FreelanceIsntFree

OK, so granted I’m a bit of a newbie to the tumultuous terrain of the world’s freelance workforce, but (and, fingers crossed/knock on wood/insert cliche of choice here) thus far I’ve avoided the apparently all-too-common malady of being stiffed on an invoice.  And while I’m certain that my name does not exist in isolation on this more favorable of registers, another list is being generated this month to provide a collective voice for those that have indeed had a run-in or two with deadbeat clients.

On Thursday, the Freelancers Union (a self-professed ‘federation of the unaffiliated’) launched its “World’s Longest Invoice” campaign, in an effort to provide a platform for reform when it comes to the ability of freelance professionals to seek remedy if they get stiffed.  Now, mind you, this isn’t like skipping out on a bar tab, since at last tally this ‘tab’ had quickly accumulated to well over $8-Million.  That’s a lotta deadbeats!

This undertaking is a first in steps to propose new legislation next month, when the Freelancers Union will look to pitch lawmakers the Payment Protection Act. This bill would allow self-employed individuals to appeal to the Department of Labor for assistance in tracking down clients guilty of non-payment. The hope is to shed light on an epidemic that plagues many freelancers, and address the fact that more often than not the costs associated with legal support are too high, thus allowing clients (of the deadbeat variety) to simply refuse payment of open invoices.

It’s not every day that I stumble upon something useful while enduring the tortures of the MTA subway system, but apparently it’s not impossible.  The current print campaign for freelancersunion.org caught my attention recently, while standing elbow to elbow with some of the world’s most unwelcome travel partners.  Pasted squarely in a subway car corner, the ad seemed to beckon that I journey to the organization’s website.  Luckily, given the wonders of modern technology, I was able to do so right then and there from the ever-accessible controls of my trusty iPhone…a far more welcomed travel partner, even if it is the ‘Siri-less’ variety!

Providing a ‘platform for an independent workforce’, the Freelancers Union’s website offers access to information regarding health & medical benefits, investment planning for retirement, and local calls to action events.  Providing a unified voice for the likes of the self-employed, the organization provides solace to those that question whether or not they do indeed have a ‘real job’.

Lobbying efforts have been formed for far less worthwhile causes, so this seemed like one worth latching on to.  I joined later that night, since it was free (and as such rather risk free), so I’ll be exploring the benefits over the next couple of weeks/months.  Naturally, they welcome donations, so if you’re at a loss regarding what to do with that disposable income that’s burning a hole in your jeans, I can think of far worse ways to spend it!