QUINCY (WGEM) – If you work freelance at all in Illinois, you’ll now have more protections. A new law which went into effect July 1st looks to make sure freelancers get paid for their work.
The Freelance Protection Act requires a contract between the employer and the freelancer, which would require them to pay the freelancer when the work is done.
Cynthia Haliemun, the Director of the MBA Program at Quincy University, said the work freelancers can do can range from event planning such as photography or catering, to writing or even construction. She said for freelancers, since they are temporary help, they might face difficulties getting paid for their work. She said the contract is beneficial for freelancers, but also businesses as well.
“If they are audited by the by somebody then they have it in writing otherwise they will have more disputes about the contracts,” Haliemun said.
Haliemun said this also ensures there is something in writing for both parties. According to the act, payment must be provided to the freelancer on the day the job is complete or 30 days after the work is done.
Local freelancers said they’ve been blessed to work with clients that are good at paying on time. Jenny Terstriep, the owner of JT Creative Solutions, said she’s had success with 99% of the clients paying on time. However, she said a law like this is a good for all freelancers.
“No matter what creative industry you are in or whatever freelancing industry you are in, whether you are a painter or someone like myself whose more of a graphic design person. It’s just nice to have something in place to protect a one woman, or one man show,” Terstriep said.
Terstriep said before then there wasn’t as many protections, but this will better protect workers.
Hailemun said it’s important that there is a contract for work, otherwise it’s much more difficult to pursue a client if there’s no paper trail.
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Source: New Illinois law helps ensure freelance workers get paid
