TV ads targets NLRB joint employer status

An organization associated with business groups like the National Federation of Independent Business and the National Restaurant Association has launched a print and TV ad campaign to push back against the National Labor Relations Board’s recent move to change the definition of joint employer status. 

The Job Creators Network bills itself as a nonpartisan organization founded by entrepreneurs. Its partners include the Retail Merchants Association and the International Franchise Association. 

{mosads}The TV ad, running during the morning shows on CNN, CNBC, Fox News and MSNBC today, features Heidi Ganahl, the founder and CEO of the doggie daycare franchise Camp Bow Wow. In the 31-second ad, she said entrepreneurs risk their life savings to create businesses and now un-elected bureaucrats on the NLRB want to change the rules. 

“As Americans, we deserve better,” she said. “Tell Washington no.” 

Groups who oppose the NLRB’s change say franchisees would lose control over key business decision like how they hire, fire and pay employees. 

Print advertisements ran in Roll Call and the Washington edition of The Wall Street Journal on Thursday. In addition to the media blitz, the Job Creators Network said it’s collecting signatures online in a petition to keep individually owned franchisees separate from their corporate franchisors.

“Unelected bureaucrats at the NLRB are trying to turn one of the most successful business models in history — the franchise system — on its head,” network CEO Alfredo Ortiz said in a statement.

“Instead of threatening a proven way for minorities and others to start their own business, the government should be supporting policies that stimulate and encourage job creation.”