Why Join A Writers' Union?
Freelancers Connect with Benefits and Writing Resources
Freelance writing can be a lonely and isolating profession. Joining a writers' union helps you build connections with other writers and access information and support.
What is a Writers' Union?
Traditionally, a writers' union is a group of individual writers who have joined together to increase their bargaining power in the workforce. Unions generally have an elected executive and bargaining committee who are trusted to act on behalf of all the members.
The Writers' Union of Canada has been around since 1973, the National Writers' Union the US was founded in 1981 and the National Union of Journalists in the UK was started in 2002.
What do Writers' Unions Do?
Writers' unions defend the rights of writers and improve their economic and working conditions of all writers. Unions can help individual freelancers deal with contract violations and can assist with legal issues. Grievance officers can assist with issues such as discrimination, by-line credit and copyright rights.
Unions also organise large actions and negotiations for fare wages and working conditions. Think of the recent writers strike in the US, which effectively slowed television production and resulted in improved conditions for writers.
Writers' unions have been at the forefront of changes to government policy that relates to writers. The Canadian Public Lending Right (PLR) which allows writers to be compensated for copies of their books held in public libraries was negotiated by the Writers' Union of Canada in 1986.
Writers unions have also been involved in the struggle for freedom of the press and for the protection of journalists and writers worldwide.
What are the Benefits of Joining?
Besides the benefits of the work towards fare and equitable working conditions for writers, individual writers' unions also provide a variety of other services, including:
- Tax tips and help filing taxes as a writer
- Help with grievances against an employer
- Promotional web space for members
- Health care plans for union members
- Access to professional development workshops, materials, and handbooks
- Connections with other writers in the form of forums, conferences, and networking opportunities
- Job boards and employment help
- Advice on fees for various writing projects, and advice on contract negotiation
- Warnings about troublesome editors or publishers
How do I Join?
Most writers' unions have a website with full details on how to become a member. Some writers' unions are open to anyone regardless of their professional standing as a writer, while others, like the Writers' Union of Canada, are only open to writers who have published at least one book.
Members must pay a monthly or annual membership fee. The National Writers' Union in the United States offers a sliding scale for the membership fee based on a writer's freelance earnings.
Do an internet search for writers' unions in your area and contact your local division for more information about how to join and what services are offered. Writers' unions are a great resource for writers, whether you're just beginning or have been in the business for years.
