The federal jury verdict against Cognizant for discrimination against American IT workers reflects a failure to adhere to fair labor practices and uphold equal employment opportunities. This outcome underscores the company's problematic labor relations practices, particularly in the context of leveraging differential pay scales between international and domestic workers.

Federal jury finds that Cognizant discriminated against American IT workers

The court’s decision highlights an intentional pattern of labor discrimination by favoring Indian employees over non-Indian workers. This significantly undermines fair labor practices and workers' rights, reflecting negatively on Cognizant's ethical responsibilities in the workplace.

Cognizant found guilty of discrimination against non-Indian employees; faces potential punitive damages

The verdict confirms allegations that Cognizant maintained employment policies that favored South Asian workers, disadvantaging non-South Asian employees. Such discriminatory practices undermine fair labor standards and violate US civil rights laws, aligning with authoritarian and exclusionary business practices.

Cognizant guilty of discriminatory conduct, US jury finds

The jury's decision against Cognizant confirms allegations of discriminatory employment practices by favoring workers with ready visas over non-Indian employees, undermining labor rights and equitable hiring practices. This event reflects a broader pattern of exploiting visa regulations at the expense of marginalized domestic workers.

Cognizant Faces Setback: Jury Orders Damages for Discriminatory Practices Against Non-Indian Employees – PublicLawLibrary.org

The verdict highlights serious labor and human rights violations by Cognizant, as it was found to have engaged in discriminatory practices against non-Indian employees. Such practices undermine fair labor standards and contribute to systemic inequality in the workplace.

Jury Finds Cognizant Guilty of Discrimination, Orders Damages for Non-Indian Employees in Landmark Verdict

The profile evidences Cognizant’s extensive and long-term lobbying practices, which are used to shape government policy in ways that can entrench corporate power. Such political influence is viewed negatively from an anti-fascist perspective because it may undermine democratic accountability and contribute to the marginalization of worker rights and vulnerable communities.

Cognizant Technology Solutions Profile: Lobbying

The statement emphasizes rigorous supply chain due diligence and updated Supplier Standards of Conduct, ensuring that suppliers adhere to strict ethical guidelines. This proactive oversight mitigates risks of modern slavery in the supply chain, reinforcing corporate responsibility and ethical business practices in line with anti-authoritarian values.

PDF UK Statement on Modern Slavery 2023 - Cognizant

The disclosed financial data from Cognizant’s Political Action Committee represents standard corporate political participation. There is no indication that the PAC is used to promote authoritarian or far‐right agendas. The contributions and refunds are routine and do not show evidence of supporting extremist political groups.

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Political Action Committee - committee overview

The FEC data shows that Cognizant maintains a Political Action Committee with moderate financial activity. While the contribution amounts are relatively small compared to the company’s overall financial scale, the operation of a PAC indicates the company's willingness to influence political processes. From an anti-fascist perspective, corporate involvement in political financing can contribute to undue political influence, warranting a negative score.

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Political Action Committee - committee overview

Although Cognizant’s voluntary disclosure demonstrates transparency in its political spending practices, the significant amounts allocated to influential lobbying groups such as The Business Roundtable, the Information Technology Industry Council, and the US Chamber of Commerce raise concerns about its role in shaping political agendas that may favor corporate interests over progressive, anti-authoritarian reforms.

2023 Semi-annual Political Spend Report - Cognizant

The policy extends its human rights commitments to the entire supply chain by requiring that suppliers, business partners, and clients adhere to similar ethical standards, thereby promoting broader accountability and preventing human rights abuses.

PDF Cognizant Human Rights Policy

Cognizant's report highlights its responsible AI development efforts including the publication of a Generative AI Security Standard, the launch of the Neuro AI client platform, and the Cognizant Google Cloud AI University. These initiatives support ethical technology use, reducing risks of surveillance abuse and reinforcing a commitment to an ethical digital future.

Cognizant Releases 2023 Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship Report

The sustainability goals, including a commitment to net zero emissions and zero e-waste to landfill by 2030, along with large-scale workforce development investments, underscore Cognizant’s positive economic and structural influence on communities and the environment.

Cognizant Releases 2023 Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship Report

The release of this anti-corruption compliance document underscores Cognizant’s proactive stance in ensuring ethical conduct throughout its supply chain. By mandating adherence to anti-corruption and bribery laws for all vendors and suppliers, the company is promoting transparency, accountability, and fair business practices, which are in line with progressive, anti-fascist values.

PDF Cognizant—Anti-Corruption Compliance for our Vendors

The policy outlines a structured oversight of political engagement including the role of the General Counsel, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, and a relevant board committee. This demonstrates a commitment to responsible executive political engagement that helps ensure decisions are made in a transparent and regulated manner, thereby reducing the risk of alignment with undemocratic or authoritarian interests.

Political Activity Policy