For millions of freelance workers in the gig economy, delayed and even stolen wages are a routine hardship that leave many scrambling to make ends meet. More than half of all freelance workers have experienced wage theft at least once in their careers, and the majority find little protection or means of recompense from the government. That's where new "Freelance Isn't Free" laws come in to protect freelance workers from nonpayment. First passed in New York City in 2017, Freelance Isn’t Free legislation has helped freelancers recoup hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid invoices over the last 7 years. Now, backed by organizers at the National Writers’ Union and the Freelance Solidarity Project, local and state governments are looking to enact their own Freelance Isn’t Free laws. The Real News speaks with Eric Thurm of the National Writers Union and the Freelance Solidarity Project, along with Keisha "TK" Dutes of the Association of Independents in Radio.

Post-Production: Alina Nehlich

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Companies steal from freelancers—but new laws could improve things