A single mom working three jobs, Flora spoke only Spanish and could not read or write. She had always wanted to own her own business and earn enough to send her sons to college. A national janitorial company representative told Flora, through an interpreter, about the opportunity to buy a franchise — she would receive accounts that would generate $3000 per month within six months. Flora relied on the representative’s word and signed the contract, putting some money down and financing the remaining franchise fee with them. More than a year later, Flora was earning less than $700 per month. The company was also deducting “royalties and management fees” and the cost of her cleaning supplies. Flora turned to legal aid in frustration. Legal aid knew that this corporation and others have been sued in other states for classifying janitorial employees as independent business owners. They were able to settle Flora’s case, with the company terminating her franchise agreement and forgiving her outstanding obligations.
