Freelancing artist like myself are facing decisions about our future, because our country is a divided. I feel like I am losing my freedom to live the way I want without government control. Some people want government to make decisions for all of us. People pushing for this control will do what they can to control others for their own personal gain.
Freelancing artist where do we stand
I am a freelance artist who is fearful about my life because one simple law can and will change everything. The Pro-Act was passed March 9, 2021 in the United States House of Representatives. The Protecting the Right to Organize and so if it becomes law, it will change how we work. This law will make so many union-friendly changes to the National Labor Relations. I believe the government will follow California and restrict us so we are unable to work if we are not part of a union.
They plan is to join together two mayor issues. This changes classifies workers as employees versus independent contractors. The ability for workers to organize unions, strike, and receive benefits, and so how does that affect me? Well because it has such a broad mandate, the policy has potential to impact my livelihood and millions of professionals.
This means because I am freelancing artist I may have to work for someone else or join a union. It means freelancing artist, to construction workers, to small business owners and many more will lose their ability to make money for themselves.
Freelancing artist are independent contractor
An individual is free from control and direction in connection with the performance of the service, both under the contract for the performance of service and in fact. DeHoff arts is my business and as an independent owner I fall into this.
The service I performed is outside the usual course of the business of the employer.
As is customarily I engaged in an independently established trade. My business is of the same nature as that involved in the service performed.
About half of our country is using the ABC test which dates back to 1935. The key problem comes down to part “B” of the ABC test: The service is outside the business is performed by and independent contractor. You are not a part of the company. I am hired by a client or company to perform a task, which is considered out sourced.
Understanding how this effects freelancing
As a freelancing artist if the Senate passes the PRO Act, it could be extremely difficult for me to secure work. This affects me regardless of where they live.
In California they passed the AB5 law. My understanding of this law is that it was to protect Uber and Lyft drivers from independent contractors taking over. This laws effects all freelancers because of how narrow it is and restricts sole proprietorships.
Prosperity Senior Policy Analyst Austen Bannan. “Instead of being able to work your own way as an independent contractor. The PRO Act could lead to both government and unions dictating the terms of your employment.” So this means me and maybe you too.
Freelancing artist/ showing and selling my work.
To see more of my work you can visit my Acrylic Gallery or Pencil Gallery.