The profile on OpenSecrets highlights Ashland Inc's active engagement in lobbying efforts. This kind of political influence, particularly in how corporate funds may be used to sway legislative agendas, is problematic from an anti-fascist perspective as it can contribute to the erosion of democratic processes in favor of authoritarian policies.

Ashland Inc Lobbying Profile • OpenSecrets

Ashland Inc's reported contribution of $8,939 combined with a lack of lobbying activity during the 2024 election cycle indicates a restrained approach to influencing political processes. From an anti-fascist perspective, this reduced political financial engagement is commendable as it minimizes the risk of corporate complicity in authoritarian maneuvers. Low involvement in campaign financing suggests that the company is not leveraging its resources to support policies that could undermine democratic institutions.

Ashland Inc Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

The detailed PAC expenditure data indicates that Ashland Inc is actively involved in funneling money into the political arena. From an anti-fascist and progressive lens, such financial contributions are concerning as they may empower political entities with authoritarian tendencies. The lack of transparency or public scrutiny surrounding these political expenditures further exacerbates concerns about corporate complicity in undermining democratic governance.

Ashland Inc PAC Expenditures • OpenSecrets

Ashland Inc's reported contribution of $12,273, while relatively low in absolute terms, reflects corporate engagement in political funding channels. From an anti-fascist perspective, even modest contributions can help sustain partisan networks that may undermine democratic structures or support authoritarian policies. The involvement in political contributions is therefore seen as a negative factor on the complicity index.

PAC Profile: Ashland Inc – OpenSecrets

The approved settlement indicates that Ashland Inc. had significant issues with labor practices, specifically regarding underpayment and exploitation of chemical plant workers. Although the settlement provides some remediation, the incident underscores a pattern of inadequate treatment of workers, which aligns with broader concerns related to labor rights and ethical responsibility in business practices.

Ashland Chemical Plant Workers' $3.9 Million Wage Deal Approved

The case details a clear instance of discriminatory labor practices at Aqualon, a subsidiary of Ashland Inc. The use of a discriminatory test in the hiring process significantly harmed 660 African American applicants by limiting their employment opportunities, contravening federal guidelines and labor rights principles. Although the company settled without admitting liability, the financial settlement and cessation of the test underscore systemic issues within their labor relations and commitment to human rights.

Aqualon settles hiring discrimination case

The settlement confirms that Aqualon, a subsidiary of Ashland Inc., engaged in discriminatory hiring practices, in violation of Executive Order 11246 and equal employment regulations. This event points to serious shortcomings in labor relations and human rights practices, contributing negatively to the company’s ethical responsibility and complicity in systems that marginalize minority groups.

Subsidiary of Ashland Inc., leading chemical company, settles charges of hiring discrimination with US Labor Department