The Los Angeles City Council voted Wednesday to have the city explore enacting a local “Freelance Isn’t Free Act” similar to one in New York that requires written contracts and timely payment for freelance work.
“The city of Los Angeles should consider adopting similar legislation to protect its freelance workers,” the motion introduced by Councilman Bob Blumenfield and passed on a 13-0 vote reads.
“The purpose is not to determine whether workers should be classified as employees or freelancers, but rather to ensure that those who hire freelancers treat them fairly,” the motion states. “Any local legislation should include exemptions and exclusions that may be required by state law, including Proposition 22, and take into account atypical industries whose freelance workers are protected by collective bargaining or similar agreements.”
The “Freelance Isn’t Free Act,” which took effect in New York City on May 15, 2017, established for freelance workers the right to a written contract, timely and full payment and protection from retaliation.
The City Council instructed the Economic and Workforce Development Department — in consultation with the Bureau of Contract Administration and the City Attorney’s Office — to draft recommendations for a Los Angeles version of that law, including the appropriate scope of coverage, required or recommended exclusions, and based on California law or industry-specific considerations and private and public enforcement mechanisms.