Writers’ unions bring digital contract work closer to trade work
Sam Lamourie
Writing and publishing industries have rapidly expanded into the online space. As a result, the working conditions of writers have also undergone rapid change. Rather than working full-time for a single publication, vast numbers of digital writers are now freelancers.
Freelance workers are usually ineligible for benefits
Most employers still only offer benefits to full-time employees, not freelancers. This has made it difficult for writers to access benefits such as health care, severance pay, or even a stable income.
Denied benefits, many writers have formed unions
The lack of benefits has led many writers and freelancers to form writers’ unions. As explained by Claire Lower, a senior editor at Lifehacker, writers’ unions allow digital writers to negotiate for the same benefits as any other worker.
The rise of unionization in online publishing has given more writers a higher quality of life. In addition to benefits, being part of a union gives writers a greater sense of self-worth.
Full Article
Loading...
Reload document 
Open in new tab