EP 2 - Freelancers Union’s Rafael Espinal: Why Independent Workers Need an All Encompassing Support System

Building The Independent Economy

Sep 7 2021 • 16 mins

The freelancer workforce is very fragmented and having a space to unify their voice has been crucial to become stronger and advocate better for their needs.

Freelancers Union is the largest and fast-growing organization representing the 56.7 million independent workers across the country and its president, Rafael Espinal, has been relentlessly working on the front lines to expand their rights and extend unprecedented protection.

If you are in the business of serving independent workers and you are looking for ways to do your job better, Rafael Espinal and The Freelancers Union are your must stop on the way to excellence.

Topics discussed in this episode:

  • What the Freelancers Union is and what they do.
  • How the freelancer workforce is fragmented and how important it is to build a community around it.
  • The state of freelance work in America, the impact COVID-19 had on freelance workers, and the trends moving forward.
  • What the freelance economy looks like (from gig workers to designers to construction workers).
  • What life was like for independent workers during the pandemic.
  • Top 3 ‘Must Have’ in the advocacy agenda for the next couple of years.
  • Advice for those that hire freelancers and independent workers to be better allies.
  • How startups can get involved and learn more about Freelancers Union.
  • Services or apps that Rafael feels like are missing in the space.