The International Franchise Association (IFA) this week issued comments to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on its proposed independent contractor rule. In the comments, IFA highlights the importance of a standard that maintains the independence of franchise owners and urges the Department to further clarify that the proposal will not interfere with the franchise business model.

The International Franchise Association (IFA) today applauded a bipartisan letter sent by 14 U.S. Senators to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in support of preserving the Franchise Rule, which is under is decennial review. The letter is a result of IFA leadership and advocacy on the importance of the Franchise Rule to providing information and clarity to current and prospective franchise owners. The letter comes following a similar letter from a bipartisan group of 67 members of the U.S. House

70 bipartisan Members of Congress urge NLRB to “drop harmful rule for franchises,” which would resurrect a policy that previously cost franchise businesses $33.3 billion per year, 376,000 job opportunities, and hiked litigation by 93%

In comments submitted today to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the International Franchise Association warned of the detrimental effects of the Board’s proposed joint employer standard, which would “wreak havoc on the franchise business model,” its millions of employees and the consuming public. Over 3,000 franchisees joined IFA in warning about the “devastating consequences” this rule could have for their businesses, aspiring entrepreneurs, and the entire franchise sector.

The International Franchise Association (IFA) today announced the submission of over one million petition signatures from California voters in opposition to AB 257, or the FAST Act. The effort by the Save Local Restaurants coalition will give California voters a say on the law’s damaging impacts before it goes into effect next year.

“IFA congratulates U.S. House Republicans and all of the winners in this year’s elections – on the national, state, and local level. We look forward to working together to advance policies that protect the franchise business model and promote further growth and entrepreneurship opportunities,” said Matthew Haller, president and CEO of the International Franchise Association.