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.

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.

Signed by 67 Members of Congress, letter is Capitol Hill response to hundreds of franchising leaders advocating on importance of the rule to franchising

The International Franchise Association (IFA) today announced its full list of candidate endorsements ahead of the 2022 election for their leadership on pro-business policies supporting America’s locally owned franchise small businesses. Named a “Friend of Franchising,” IFA endorsed one gubernatorial candidate, four U.S. Senate candidates, and five U.S. House of Representatives candidates this month.

The International Franchise Association’s (IFA) last week hosted its Annual Leadership Summit and Franchise Action Network (FAN), for hundreds of franchising leaders and franchisees to hear directly from high-level officials on policy issues impacting the franchise business model and hold advocacy meetings with their lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Over 300 attendees from all around the country met with over 200 offices in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

The International Franchise Association (IFA) today hosted “Franchising: Creating Wealth in the Black Community,” a panel discussion at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference (CBCF ALC), featuring African American small business owners, financial services experts, and administration officials. The expert panelists shared stories of their franchising journey and best practices for success, as well as information on opportunities in franchising and accessing capital.

The International Franchise Association today announces its support for the Trademark Licensing Protection Act, which was introduced in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday by Sens. Angus King (I-ME), James Lankford (R-OK), and Joe Manchin (D-WV). The legislation ensures that brand standards, issued by a franchisor to preserve or enhance the brand, may not be used as evidence of employment controls in litigation – critical to the franchise business model.