The idea that McDonalds says “They wear our uniform but they are not our employee” has always been bogus.
They license a brand and standards. McDonalds never paid for those uniforms.
McDonald’s is not the only franchise that will bear the brunt of this regulation people! This will destroy the model of franchise enterprising by increasing the legal ramifications throughout the country for local (individual owners) actions. It is an expansion of Federal regulations to the detriment of local governance. It is furthermore, a boon to trial lawyers and unions!