The National Writers Union is the only labor union that fights for the rights and interests of freelance writers and creative workers across all genres, formats, and media.

By joining our movement you can organize to transform the material conditions of workers across the media industry, plus access additional shared benefits.

Join Now

What We Offer

Press Passes

Icon of a chalk-style drawing of a press badge

NWU is one of the only sources where US-based freelancers can obtain an International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) press pass; NWU press passes are available for members as well.

Press Passes

O-1 Visa Support

Chalk-style icon of a passport

NWU can provide a peer review letter of no objection to creative workers pursuing an O-1 Visa. Available to anyone, including non-members.

O-1 Visa Support

Grievance & Contract Support

Icon of an envelope with a signed document, drawn in chalk

Members support each other in disputes with hiring parties and provide feedback and resources for contract negotiation.

Grievance and Contract Committee (GCC)

Dental & Vision Insurance

Icon of a stylized eye and a tooth, drawn in chalk

NWU offers dental and vision insurance plans to members through Gallagher Affinity.

Dental & Vision Insurance

What We Do

Workplace Standards

Chalk drawing of a megaphone

NWU works with publications to set and promote minimum standards for freelance contributors.

Working Conditions

Legislation

Chalk drawing of the Scales of Justice

NWU organizes to advance copyright protections, freelance rights, speech protections, AI regulations, and more across local, state, national, and international law and policy. 

Organizing & Collective Action

Solidarity

Icon of a Black Power fist, drawn in chalk

As members of NWU, we are all part of a larger labor movement whose power is built through solidarity.

Solidarity

Rate Tools

Icon of a sack of money, drawn in a chalk style

NWU members are fighting for pay transparency across all creative industries by maintaining our own rate-sharing databases and using the data to build organizing campaigns.

Rate Tools

CASE DISMISSED: Charges Dropped Against Independent Journalist Alissa Azar

This experience has highlighted the critical importance of press freedom and the rights of journalists to report on public events without fear of arrest or intimidation. The need for transparency and accountability in our institutions grows increasingly urgent. And under a Trump presidency, protecting our First Amendment rights is more important than ever.

ALISSA AZAR, JOURNALIST

NWU

A Tribute to Barbara Mende

Last week, we lost Barbara Mende, one of NWU’s most steadfast advocates and long-time members. Memories and tributes poured in to our union’s Book Division listserv, and Edward Hasbrouck wrote this of her legacy: Barbara Mende‘s memory is a blessing to her NWU comrades, perhaps especially those in the Boston Chapter, the Book Division, and the…

Edward Hasbrouck

It Should be Simple to Register Copyright in Web Content

In response to the latest rulemaking proposal from the U.S. Copyright Office, the NWU has formally requested that the Copyright Office “establish an affordable, minimally burdensome procedure and schedule of fees for registration of Web content, including entire websites, regardless of the number of ‘works’ they include.” The petition for rulemaking by the NWU is…

NWU

100 Years of International Solidarity

On May 4th to 7th, I along with Edward Hasbrouck attended the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) World Congress representing NWU. Even though I have been familiar with IFJ for a while and familiar with NWU’s affiliation with the IFJ, this was the first time that I would interact with the IFJ and the many unions that are affiliated…

Who We Are

NWU members are located across the United States. Members are assigned to the Chapter closest to them, though they can still get involved and connect with other Chapters. Click on a location to learn more about a Chapter.