IFA Urges Swift Confirmation of Keith Sonderling to Lead Labor Department
IFA advocates for quick confirmation of Keith Sonderling as Labor Secretary to support franchise interests.
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The IFA is urging the U.S. Senate to swiftly confirm Keith Sonderling as the next U.S. Secretary of Labor. Sonderling has shown strong support for franchising, particularly through his advocacy for a federal joint employer rule that would benefit franchise businesses.
Why It Matters
Confirming Sonderling may lead to favorable labor policies for franchisees, impacting their operational landscape and unit economics.
The International Franchise Association (IFA) is advocating for the swift confirmation of Keith Sonderling, currently serving as Acting Secretary of Labor, to take on the position permanently. During his tenure as Acting Secretary, Sonderling has been a strong supporter of franchising, promoting a commonsense federal joint employer rule designed to protect franchise businesses and maintain entrepreneurial opportunities. IFA Chief Advocacy Officer Michael Layman emphasized Sonderling's alignment with the interests of the nation’s 832,000 franchise small businesses, stating, “By advancing a commonsense federal joint employer rule that protects franchise businesses and preserves entrepreneurial opportunities, Sonderling has shown he understands franchising’s vital role powering Main Street economies across this country.”
The IFA's push for his confirmation comes ahead of a hearing scheduled before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, where they will advocate for his appointment. In addition to endorsing Sonderling, the IFA is working on the American Franchise Act (AFA), a bipartisan initiative that seeks to codify the definition of direct control over employment terms to establish a consistent joint employer standard. The AFA has attracted support from 134 bipartisan cosponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives and corresponding legislation has been introduced in the Senate.
