The City’s Freelance Isn’t Free Act, which became law on May 15, 2017, creates new rights, remedies, and resources for freelance workers in New York City to help ensure they are paid on time and in full.

The Freelance Isn’t Free Act:

• Requires contracts between freelance workers and hiring parties that are worth $800 or more to be in writing.
• Prohibits hiring parties from paying workers late or underpaying workers.
• Protects freelance workers against retaliation for asserting their rights under the Law.

DCA’s Office of Labor Policy and Standards (OLPS) assists with issues that impact immigrants, people of color, and women in the workplace.

In addition, OLPS:

• Enforces key municipal workplace laws
• Conducts original research, outreach, and education
• Develops policies that are responsive to New York City’s evolving economy and workforce

Learn more about the Office of Labor Policy and Standards.

In his 2019 State of the City Address, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the administration is expanding the mission and the name of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).

You can check DCA's website for updates.

Visit the Department of Consumer Affairs' website.

Workers' Rights Campaign

The Workers' Rights Campaign introduces the newly renamed DCWP as a City agency that fights for every worker in NYC regardless of job or immigration status.

DCWP enforces different municipal labor laws, including: 

• Fair Workweek
• Freelance
• Paid Care
• Paid Safe and Sick Leave