Does Mr. Sandless set the conditions for employment of managers?

We have no authority to control, either directly or indirectly, the essential terms and conditions of employment of your employees. You acknowledge and agree that you, in your sole and absolute discretion, shall determine all such essential terms and conditions of employment, which are defined in the Operations Manual or otherwise defined by law. You specifically agree that any training we provides for your employees is geared to impart to those employees, with your ultimate authority, the various procedures, protocols, systems, and operations of a Mr. Sandless outlet pursuant to the System and in no fashion reflects any employment relationship between us and such employees. If ever it is asserted that we are the employer, joint employer or co-employer of any of your employees in any private or government investigation, action, proceeding, arbitration or other setting, you irrevocably agree to assist us in defending said allegation, appearing at any venue requested by us to testify on our behalf, participate in depositions, other appearances or preparing affidavits rejecting any assertion that Franchisor is the employer, joint employer or co-employer of any of your employees.

Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD pages 29–30)