(WASHINGTON, July 29) – “It’s disappointing that the Biden Administration wishes to throw out a simple, clear and thoughtful rule and return to an expanded joint employer standard that would place a cloud of uncertainty over the heads of local small business owners that are trying to lead this economic recovery. The joint employer standard released in 2020 helped small business owners navigate the crisis, keep employees safe, and protect their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the 2020 standard also ensured brands could leverage their networks to assist small business owners in navigating the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and other critical emergency lending measures.

Franchises share the same values as this administration and are committed to addressing inequities in our economy and society. Nearly one-third of franchises are owned by people of color, a higher ownership rate than non-franchised small businesses. An expanded joint employer standard will be responsible for the dissolution of small business owners’ equity and the closing of an inclusive route to generational wealth for those historically locked out of the entrepreneurial marketplace.”

Celebrating 60 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.