By Chicago Times Magazine –

July 09, 2024

As of July 1st, 2024, Illinois became the latest state to offer independent contractors a safety net with the implementation of the Freelance Worker Protection Act (FWPA). Some say the law signifies a major win for the growing freelance workforce in the state, estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands.

According to Illinois.gov, The FWPA introduces key protections for freelance workers, specifically those involved in contracts valued at $500 or more within a 120-day period. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:

Written Contracts: Gone are the days of trusting verbal agreements and a firm handshake. The FWPA mandates written contracts outlining the project scope, deadlines, and most importantly, payment terms. This ensures clarity and reduces the risk of misunderstandings.

Timely Payment: Freelancers no longer have to hunt down their hard-earned income from deadbeats. The law requires hiring entities to make full payment by the contract due date, or within 30 days of completing services if no specific date is mentioned.

Protection from Retaliation: The FWPA protects freelancers from negative repercussions for exercising their rights under the Act. This includes protection against threats, intimidation, or being penalized for requesting what’s owed to them in the contract. It was not mentioned if the Outfit (Chicago Mafia) was included or excluded.

It should be noted that the Act excludes freelancers in construction services and those classified as employees. For freelancers, familiarizing themselves with the FWPA’s provisions is crucial. The Illinois Department of Labor offers a helpful FAQ section and a sample contract on their website https://labor.illinois.gov/faqs/freelance-worker-protection-act.html to assist freelancers in navigating this new landscape.