Take Action Now – Understand Your Rights and Obligations Effective May 15, 2017 The Freelance Isn’t Free Act (“FIFA”) goes into effect on May 15, 2017. This law provides certain rights to freelance workers in New York City and instills certain obligations on businesses. FIFA defines a freelance worker as “any natural person or any organization composed of no more than one natural person, whether or not incorporated or employing a trade name, that is hired or retained as an independent contractor by a hiring party to provide services in exchange for compensation.”
FIFA requires the following:
FIFA also prohibits retaliation. Specifically, a hiring party cannot “penalize, threaten, or blacklist” a contractor for asserting assert their rights under this law. Excluded from the definition of freelance worker are certain sales representatives, attorneys and licensed medical professionals. Contractors can file complaints for non-compliance or retaliation with The NYC Department of Consumer Affairs, Office of Labor Policy & Standards or directly in court.. Failure to comply with this law, may result in significant penalties including statutory damages, double damages, injunctive relief, and attorney’s fees.
For more information visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/about/freelance-isnt-free-act.page and/or review the Protecting New York City’s Freelance Workers Flyer.
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