Franchisers Ask EEOC for Anti-Harassment Guidance Post #MeToo

Brands wishing to use the momentum of the #MeToo movement to address concerns of workers are hesitant to do so, out of caution over potential joint employer liability.

A Catch-22 is presented when franchisers balance the risks of joint employer liability with a cautious approach to providing workplace harassment guidance to franchisees. Corporations can be held jointly liable for the mistreatment of workers paid by its subcontractors or franchisees if they exercise enough control over the workplace.

Franchisers want to do the right thing but don’t want to be liable for meddling in an independent franchisee’s business, the International Franchise ...