Being slow to the bank will cost BuzzFeed at least $50,000.

Perhaps BuzzFeed didn’t get the memo, but, in 2017, NYC dropped the Freelance Isn’t Free Act, a law requiring freelancers get written contracts and timely payments.

Maybe Buzzfeed was too distracted by its quizzes to pay bills, but meanwhile, 16 freelancers who are about their business filed complaints with NYC’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) over late payments.

An investigation was launched, and BuzzFeed came out on the losing end. It was found that the company failed to pay those 16 freelancers on time for 114 separate invoices.

In an effort to avoid litigation and trial, the company reached a settlement agreement. Based on the terms, DCWP ordered BuzzFeed to cough up over $45,000 to the 16 freelancers plus over $4,500 in penalties.

But wait, there’s more! If you freelanced for BuzzFeed between May 8, 2019, and August 15, 2024, and got stiffed, you can file a claim for restitution too. The settlement opened the door for other freelancers to get paid.

“We urge any freelancer who performed work for BuzzFeed and did not receive timely payment to reach out to us immediately.”          ~DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga 

If you file a claim, and “if Buzzfeed cannot provide proof of compliance for a freelancer claim then Buzzfeed shall pay each such freelance worker all amounts due under the contract, if not already paid, and an additional amount in damages calculated by multiplying the amount of the late-paid invoice by a percentage…

So, if you’re owed, to get in on the action of getting paid, just hit up NYC’s Freelance Workers page.

21 pc. Journalist Bundle: Camera / Mic / Light / Tripod & More

BuzzFeed learned the hard way that freelancers aren’t here for IOUs (or the byline as some like to advertise).

If you’re a freelancer, know your rights, keep those contracts tight, and don’t let anyone play you.

“It’s as straightforward as can be: freelance workers—like all workers—deserve nothing less than full protection under the law,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “That’s exactly why I passed the Freelance Isn’t Free Act at the State-level, and I’m glad to see the City law is being used to ensure freelancers receive the pay they’ve earned, fair and square. The message to employers is clear: when you hire a freelancer, paying them on time is not a choice—it’s the law.

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