12.07.15 - For freelancers, getting stiffed is part of the job. Some in New York City want to fix it
“Non-payment paralyzes the most motivated sector of people, who are willing to work on their own schedule, be independent and self sufficient,” Northrop says. “When other people hear this, it makes people think 'let me stay at this boring job that I don’t even like.’”
"New York City, however, might soon see a fix for that problem. A bill being introduced in the City Council Monday would require all employers to put contracts in writing, impose civil and criminal penalties for taking longer than 30 days to deliver payments, and award double damages plus attorneys fees to contractors who’ve been stiffed — similar to the protections now enjoyed by regular employees."