Attorneys from DLA Piper discussed key elements of Force Majeure clauses, claims of commercial impossibility, as well as the ins and outs of business interruption insurance. The panelists noted that Force Majeure clauses are highly dependent on specific contractual language, and urged all businesses to read and review carefully their contractual obligations related to Force Majeure. Additionally, the panelists recommended careful and thorough review of property and business insurance policies to determine whether losses due to damage or civil authority orders might be claimed in these circumstances.

Attorneys from labor law firm Littler Mendelson outlined several of the key provisions of recent federal stimulus legislation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The panelists discussed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), Emergency Paid Sick Leave, Emergency Family Medical Leave, and the CARES Act. The panelists discussed the new mandates on businesses, as well as compliance measures, and loan options open to businesses in light of the stimulus bills.

Panelists discussed the legal implication of layoffs, furloughs, and closures from both legal and communications standpoints. Bruce Millman of Littler Mendelson discuss the differences between layoffs and furloughs, and the business effects due to the discontinuation of the employment relationship. The panelists discussed issues arising due to WARN Act considerations for businesses, as well as the internal and external communications strategies and processes for dealing with employment uncertainty, and laying off employees.

Panelists Brad Hammock, Jim Paretti, and Libby Henninger of Littler Mendelson provided up-to-the-minute suggestions and guidance on the labor and employment implications of the coronavirus pandemic and in light of current law. The panelists outlined current OSHA and CDC guidance for businesses on what to do if an employee became symptomatic or sick with COVID-19, and how businesses are now required to comply with new paid sick leave and emergency Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) mandates. The panelists also detailed the wage and hour considerations mandated by recent legislative actions, and defined key terms and compliance relevant to businesses considering furloughs, layoffs, and temporary reductions and/or alterations in scheduling for exempt and non-exempt employees.

Led by panelists and franchise real estate specialists Rocco Fiorentino, CFE, and Ty Brewster, CFE, the “Landlords and Rent Relief – Outside the Government Relief Packages” webinar focused on the functional aspects of landlord-tenant relationships and lease agreements given high levels of business uncertainty due to Coronavirus/COVID-19. The panelists underscored the need for franchisor clients to equip themselves with knowledge on the terms and provisions of their lease agreements; to know their business, sales, and operations history; and to communicate clearly and strongly with their landlords to negotiate the best possible agreement.

Welcome to the Franchise Labor Compliance page, a resource for franchise business owners looking to learn more about current labor and workforce challenges, including best practices for compliance and communication strategies with your employees. These resources will help managers, supervisors, and employers understand their rights, responsibilities, and legal restrictions when facing a union organizing campaign:

Thinking about selling your franchise? Some legal considerations before going to market.

Housekeeping tips for maintaining your franchise compliance program annually.

How to protect a franchise brand as the number of units increases.

Five tips to consider when formulating a transition plan, and how private equity can help create value.