IFA Responds to the Injunction Halting New Overtime Regulations from Taking Effect

For months, the franchising industry has been vocal about its concerns over the Department of Labor’s new overtime rule. Right now, small business owners across the country are required to pay overtime to employees who work more than 40 hours a week and earn less than $23,660 annually. However, the new rule doubles that salary threshold by extending overtime to employees making $47,476.

Initially, the rule was set to go into effect on December 1. But a ruling by a Texas judge has now issued a preliminary injunction stopping the implementation of the new overtime regulation. International Franchise Association president and CEO Robert Cresanti issued a statement after news of the ruling broke.

“Now, franchises are breathing a collective sigh of relief. Franchise owners who had been facing significant costs and questions about the impact the overtime rule was creating for compliance with an unreasonable new threshold and automatic increases,” said Cresanti.

Overtime regulations are one of many challenges facing the franchising industry in today’s business economy. Cresanti says that the IFA is excited to work with President-elect Trump and his administration to overcome these issues and find solutions that will move franchising forward.

Cresanti said, “Moving forward, IFA looks forward to working with the Trump administration and congressional leaders to ensure additional regulations that exceed statutory authority are addressed in short order.”

Cassie has over five years of digital and traditional media experience. She joined NLA after working as a television news producer in both Milwaukee and Chicago, and now specializes in aligning strategies across the board for her clients, ultimately building buzz and telling compelling stories through content marketing, social media, digital campaigns and traditional PR. Cassie has a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast and Electronic Communications from Marquette University.

In her spare time, Cassie enjoys traveling and exploring what new cities have to offer in addition to spending time with her friends and family.