As the city’s traditional career trajectory model shifts, it is vital that employees still have leverage as workers, says Cary Moon.
"As the city’s traditional career trajectory model shifts, it is vital that employees still have leverage as workers," says Cary Moon. courtesy of campaign

If you're a freelancer working in Seattle, mayoral candidate Cary Moon wants to make sure you get paid in a reasonable timeframe.

Moon today unveiled her proposal for a freelancers bill of rights. Her proposal includes requirements for companies to pay freelancers within 30 days or face penalties, anti-retaliation protections for freelancers pursuing payment, mandatory contracts for work that totals more than $800 during a four-month period, and prohibition of some non-compete agreements.

Moon's proposals are based off a freelancer law in New York City and California's ban on non-compete agreements.

According to the Freelancers' Union, 54 million Americans are independent workers. According to one survey by the union, 70 percent of independent workers have faced trouble getting paid.

"It’s time to address freelancer’s rights and stop curtailing competition and worker mobility in this rapidly changing economy," Moon said in a statement today. "Everyone in Seattle should be free to engage in businesses and occupations of their choosing, and get paid a living wage for a full days work.”

The proposal comes on the heels of a pitch from both Moon and her opponent Jenny Durkan to extend more rights to domestic workers like housekeepers. I've asked Durkan's campaign whether she supports these proposals and will update this post if I hear back.