Comment from Ferguson, Jimmy

To whom this may concern, I am an independent McDonalds Owner/Operator in Texas, where I own and operate 7 restaurants. I appreciate the opportunity to provide comments on the Department of Labors proposed rule on joint employer status under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act. The DOLs proposed rule will help franchisees like me continue to succeed and to deliver value to our employees and communities. I encourage the DOL to adopt the proposed rule. As an independent local business owner, I employ approximately 350 people. I am solely responsible for all employment decisions in my restaurants, including hiring, wages, benefits, scheduling, supervision, and discipline. I bear the economic risks of my business and am accountable for its success. I became a McDonald's franchisee for an opportunity to become an Entrepreneur and small businesses owner. Owning and operating my own business is one of my proudest accomplishments, and it is something I do not take for granted. My restaurants provide important job opportunities in my community, often for individuals entering the workforce for the first time. I am also proud to support my community by charitable contributions, support local schools, award scholarships for students, served on School Foundation Boards, support Ronald McDonalds House Charities, regional and national Chambers.. The proposed rule provides important clarity by recognizing how franchise businesses actually operate. While I operate independently, McDonalds USA provides valuable support, such as training, technology, and operational resources, that helps me run my business more effectively. This support does not involve control over my employment decisions, and the proposed rule appropriately reflects that distinction. I independently determine the compensation and benefits I offer my employees. HEALTH Benefits, Paid Leave, Flexible Schedule, Free and discount meals, bonus opportunities, free tuitions scholarships and support for emergencies.. I take pride in providing competitive opportunities tailored to my community. In addition to direct compensation, working in my restaurant(s) provides employees with valuable skills and experiences that benefit them throughout their careers, regardless of whether they work in the restaurant industry or elsewhere. We have and continue to support Archways opportunities programs for our employees. We support scholarship programs, English as second language programs. To be clear, McDonalds USA does not hire or fire my employees, set wages or benefits, manage schedules, or supervise my team. My employees report to me and my management team, and we are responsible for their day-to-day experience. The proposed rule accurately reflects this reality. I urge the Department to finalize the proposed rule to ensure clarity and consistency for independent business owners like me, and to support the employees and communities we serve. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jimmy Ferguson MAXTAB,INC your organization address