Freelance Solidarity Project – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Freelance Solidarity Project?

The Freelance Solidarity Project is a group of freelance media workers who have formed a distinct entity within the National Writers Union to organize for better working conditions. We currently have multiple active campaigns at unionized digital media companies and are building a sustainable community and movement in which freelancers and staffers can work together and support each other.

Currently, a transition committee of volunteers have been working on the next phase of our work. We’re handling the administration of setting up membership, overseeing the election of an organizing committee, and writing the website you’re reading right now.

Who can join the Freelance Solidarity Project?

Membership is open to anyone who pays dues. This includes all media workers, as well as all unpublished writers, editors, illustrators, photographers, social media, video, or workers in any medium that have not yet had the chance to display their work.

Why should I join the Freelance Solidarity Project?

As a member, you will become part of a community that is actively fighting for better industry standards. You will have a voice in setting our strategies moving forward by being able to vote, join committees, and run for elections—you, the members, are the union.

As a member of the National Writers Union, you will have access to our full membership benefits, including press passes, the NWU dental and vision plan, contract advice, grievance assistance, and more.

How can I get more involved?

Members can and are encouraged to be active participants in all levels of FSP. That includes but is not limited to:

  • Attending meetings
  • Attending events
  • Consider running for the organizing committee
  • Voting in our elections
  • Starting a local chapter in your area

Stay updated on more ways to get involved — sign up for our email list here.

If I only freelance part-time, or am a full-time staffer, can I join?

Yes.

If I work in media but am not a writer, can I join?

Yes.

If I’m already in a union can I join?

Yes.

What is the National Writers Union?

The NWU is the only labor union that represents writers working in all genres, formats, and mediums. Through its international union, The United Auto Workers, the National Writers Union is a member of the AFL-CIO, as well as the only US affiliate of the International Federation of Journalists. The NWU has a long history of winning better conditions for freelancers, most recently with freelancers from OUT magazine. For more information, see our member benefits.

I’m in! How can I sign up?

Sign up here and check the box “Freelance Solidarity Project.”

How much are dues?

Dues are calculated on a sliding scale based on your self-reported annual writing income:

Under $5,000 (monthly recurring) – $ 12.50
$5,001 – 15,000 (monthly recurring) – $ 18.75
$15,001 – 30,000 (monthly recurring) – $ 25.00
$30,001 – 50,000 (monthly recurring) – $ 29.16
Over $50,000 (monthly recurring) – $ 33.33
Under $5,000 (6 mo) – $ 75.00
Under $5,000 (annual) – $ 150.00
$5,001-15,000 (6 mo) – $ 112.50
$5,001-15,000 (annual) – $ 225.00
$15,001-30,000 (6 mo) – $ 150.00
$15,001-30,000 (annual) – $ 300.00
$30,001-50,000 (6 mo) – $ 175.00
$30,001-50,000 (annual) – $ 350.00
Over $50,000 (6 mo) – $ 200.00
Over $50,000 (annual) – $ 400.00

What will my dues go towards?

Your dues will go directly towards the Freelance Solidarity Project’s efforts. This will include:

  • Building up a legal fund to fight any and all challenges against our right to organize
  • Membership benefits
  • Supporting our campaigns
  • Planning and hosting events
  • Solidarity with workers, both in our industry and in our greater community, towards their organizing efforts and actions
  • Ensuring that our spaces and events are accessible and inclusive
  • Comprehensive research into the history of media, journalism, and relevant legal/strategical precedents to our campaigns and actions

Do I have to be based in the United States to join?

Membership is open to anyone, anywhere.

I’m already a dues-paying member of the NWU but I want to be part of this project. How can I get involved?

Email David Hill at dhill@nwu.org.