FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Jenna Weisbord, 310-995-0839
jweisbord@franchise.org
@franchising411

WASHINGTON, July 26—The International Franchise Association (IFA), the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide, praised members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee for its ongoing efforts to demonstrate the importance of apprenticeship programs and the American workforce.

IFA submitted written comments in support of today’s hearing, titled “Modernizing Apprenticeships to Expand Opportunities,” and emphasized how franchise businesses are uniquely suited and organized to scale skill development programs. IFA also highlighted concerns among franchise brands stemming from the joint employer rule.

In part, the letter stated:

“Apprenticeship programs are woven into the very fabric of the franchise business. As with other businesses, franchising has felt the sting of the skills gap. Franchise businesses work hard to address a shortage of skilled workers by providing consistent training programs that address basic skills for first-time workers…

“Equally important, apprenticeship programs are designed to allow upward mobility within the franchise business model. Management-to-ownership programs are already an integral part of franchising businesses, without a formal structure or government support.

“Although many franchise businesses have apprenticeship and workforce development programs, realizing the full benefits of these necessary programs is being hindered by uncertainty about liability stemming from the joint employer rule. Specifically, there is concern that providing training and professional development could be construed as indirect control, therefore running afoul of the rule…”

To read the full letter, click here.

About the International Franchise Association

Celebrating 58 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 733,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 7.6 million direct jobs, $674.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 2.5 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.

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