The Freelancers Union has revealed that 84 percent of freelancers who’ve requested government aid amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are still waiting on payments.
The New York City-based non-profit organization published the statistic today – specifically to commemorate May Day. In the text, Freelancers Union execs emphasized that while the $2.2 trillion CARES Act contains coverage provisions for self-employed workers, most of these individuals have yet to receive compensation.
The Freelancers Union surveyed 2,767 of its members who’ve applied for government aid, and 84 percent of these persons indicated that unemployment assistance hadn’t reached their bank accounts.
Based upon these points, the Freelancers Union is calling on government officials to revamp their unemployment and aid programs to benefit freelance workers as quickly as possible.
During the last six weeks, approximately 30 million Americans have filed for unemployment assistance, and consequently, many states are struggling to process applications.
With all crowd-based events put on ice for the foreseeable future, and most states’ and countries’ nonessential businesses (like recording studios) still closed, the music industry is being hit especially hard by the pandemic.