IFA Congratulates Keith Sonderling on Confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Labor

IFA welcomes confirmation of a longtime ally to the franchise business community who understands and has championed commonsense labor policies supporting America’s small businesses, workers, and entrepreneurs

October 01, 2026 // Franchising.com // WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today congratulated Keith Sonderling on his confirmation by the U.S. Senate to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor. Sonderling has served as Acting Secretary of Labor since April 2026 and has been a strong advocate for policies that support franchise businesses and their workers, including a commonsense joint employer standard issued in April 2026.

“IFA has long supported Keith Sonderling and is thrilled the Senate has confirmed him as Secretary,” said Michael Layman, IFA Chief Advocacy Officer. “Secretary Sonderling understands the franchise business model and the vital role it plays in creating jobs and economic opportunity across the country. During his time as Acting Secretary, and in his previous roles at the Department of Labor and the EEOC, he has demonstrated a commitment to commonsense labor policies that protect the independence of franchise businesses while supporting workers and job creators alike. IFA congratulates Secretary Sonderling on his confirmation, and we look forward to continuing to work with him and the Department of Labor to strengthen franchising and expand opportunity for millions of Americans.”

IFA previously urged the Senate to swiftly confirm Sonderling, citing his leadership at the Department and support for an updated federal joint employer standard that provides greater clarity for franchise businesses. The Department’s proposed standard recognizes the importance of direct and meaningful control over essential terms and conditions of employment when determining joint employer status. IFA and its members comments on the proposal are available here.

IFA is also spearheading the push for the bipartisan American Franchise Act, legislation that would codify a clear joint employer standard under federal law and provide long-term certainty for franchise businesses. The legislation would end years of regulatory whiplash that have created uncertainty for franchisors and franchisees over when they may be considered responsible for the same employees.

About the International Franchise Association

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) 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 832,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $907.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 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.

SOURCE International Franchise Association

###