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Matthew Haller, 202-460-8356

Jenna Weisbord, 310-995-0839

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@franchising411

IFA FILES JOINT AMICUS BRIEF TO COMBAT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST NY QUICK-SERVICE RESTAURANTS

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8—The International Franchise Association, along with the National Federation for Independent Business (NFIB), has filed a joint amicus brief before the New York Supreme Court in support of the National Restaurant Association’s (NRA) effort to combat discrimination against the quick-service food industry in New York State. Last year, New York approved an increase in the minimum wage for quick-serve food restaurants only.

The brief argues that the decision to exponentially increase the minimum wage for only a portion of employees working in the fast food industry violates both state law and the United States constitution. The brief asserts that the wage order violates the U.S. constitution’s commerce clause, improperly targets small business and therefore should be invalidated.

“Applying a new mandatory minimum wage increase to a narrow group of businesses significantly violates both the U.S. Constitution as well as fundamentals tenants of fairness. It creates an un-level playing field for owners who provide important entry level jobs and valuable training for millions of workers across the state of New York,” said IFA President & CEO Robert Cresanti. “If Governor Cuomo wishes to advance a wage increase, it should cover all of New York’s businesses, not just a select few.”

The IFA is a member of the Coalition to Save New York Restaurants, formed to combat discrimination against quick-service food industry. More information can be found here.

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About the International Franchise Association

Celebrating 55 years of excellence, education and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 780,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.9 million direct jobs, $890 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology and business development.