- Washington AG Bob Ferguson sued janitorial services company National Maintenance Contractors , LLC and related entities (collectively “NMC”) over allegations that it used deceptive and misleading tactics to market its franchises in violation of Washington’s Consumer Protection Act, and Franchise Investment Protection Act.
- The complaint alleges, among other things, that NMC marketed its franchises to immigrants with limited English proficiency, locking them into contracts that often paid less than minimum wage, had excessive franchising fees, and made unrealistic work demands. In addition, the complaint alleges that NMC misrepresented the amount of control over work and hours that franchisees would have, punished franchisees who declined work projects for any reason, and did not provide contracted-for services like billing and collections.
- The complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, restitution, civil money penalties, and attorneys’ fees and costs.