The National Writers Union advocates for economic rights and measures that benefit writers and their families: tax law, education, affordable health care and housing, economic security, equal opportunity, and democracy.

The following are examples of stands on issues regarding writers economic interests taken by the union:

• NWU President on Dangers of Orphan Works Bill, August 8, 2008
• NWU Opposes Amazon's BookSurge, April 16, 2008
• NWU Endorses Anti-War Demonstration, April 24, 2006
• Support Independent Bookstores,  November 16, 2003 
• Support Medicare, November 2, 2003
• Artist Tax Bill [S.287], August 26, 2003
• Resolution Against War on Iraq, February, 2003
• Freelance Writers and Artists Protection Act (HR4643)
• NWU Wins California Overtime Pay Fight, September 23, 2000
• Health Care Deduction for Freelancers, March 6, 2000