The board's resistance to shareholder proposals for disclosing political contributions prevents clearer insight into the company's political financing. This opacity may facilitate undisclosed promotional or lobbying activities that can indirectly support authoritarian agendas.

Cognizant board opposes proposal on more transparency in political funding

The federal jury verdict against Cognizant underscores significant shortcomings in its labor relations and human rights practices. The case, highlighting discriminatory practices against American IT workers, not only led to punitive damages but also exposed systemic issues related to wage disparities and differential treatment of employees. This negative result reflects poorly on the company’s commitment to fair labor practices and ethical responsibility in a global workforce.

Federal jury finds that Cognizant discriminated against American IT workers

A federal jury verdict against Cognizant for discrimination underscores a severe breach in labor relations and human rights practices. This event reflects a disregard for fair labor standards and exacerbates concerns about the treatment of workers within global IT outsourcing practices, which is particularly alarming from an anti-fascist standpoint.

Federal jury finds that Cognizant discriminated against American IT workers

Cognizant's maintenance of a Political Action Committee and its reported contribution of $108,800 to other committees without clear accountability or transparent allocation methods raises red flags. From an anti-fascist viewpoint, such political contributions can enable and legitimize political actors who may support authoritarian or fascist policies, thereby undermining democratic accountability.

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Political Action Committee - committee overview

The reported lobbying expenditure of $1,490,000 in 2024 suggests that Cognizant is significantly investing in political influence. From a left-leaning anti-fascist stance, this level of spending is worrisome as it may be used to push policy outcomes that undermine democratic norms and could align with authoritarian interests.

Cognizant Technology Solutions Lobbying Profile - OpenSecrets

Cognizant's reported spending of $1,140,000 on lobbying in 2024 is seen as a problematic exertion of financial influence over policy-making. This level of lobbying expenditure can be interpreted as an effort to sway political outcomes in ways that may benefit corporate interests at the expense of democratic accountability, aligning with concerns over corporate complicity in authoritarian practices.

Cognizant Technology Solutions Issues Lobbied

The jury verdict concluded that Cognizant engaged in discriminatory employment practices by favoring H-1B visa holders from India over non-South Asian workers. This finding underscores a profound failure in upholding labor rights and fostering workplace diversity, which is antithetical to ethical business practices and supportive of authoritarian discrimination.

Cognizant guilty of discriminatory conduct, US jury finds

The verdict in the class-action lawsuit revealed that Cognizant engaged in discriminatory employment practices by favoring South Asian candidates over non-Indian employees. This case highlights significant issues in labor relations and human rights practices, undermining the company’s stated commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. Despite the firm’s public claims of diversity and equal opportunity, the legal outcome indicates systemic bias that supports broader patterns of inequality, indirectly bolstering structures associated with fascist and authoritarian ideologies.

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

Cognizant was found to have engaged in discriminatory practices by replacing non-Indian employees with workers from India holding H-1B visas, thereby exploiting loopholes in the visa program. Such practices are indicative of poor labor relations and a disregard for fair human rights practices. This conduct not only undermines workers' rights but may also contribute indirectly to broader systemic inequalities, aligning with authoritarian business practices that devalue domestic labor.

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

The court verdict against Cognizant for discriminatory practices highlights a severe breach in labor relations and human rights. By allegedly favoring H1-B visa holders at the expense of non-Indian workers, the company undermines fair employment practices and contributes to systemic inequality, which is deeply concerning from an ethical and anti-authoritarian standpoint.

Cognizant faces US court verdict for discriminatory practices

The event centers on Cognizant's discriminatory practices against non-Indian employees, as evidenced by exclusion from meetings, social activities, and biased promotion practices. This behavior represents a severe violation of labor rights and human rights practices, undermining ethical business conduct and promoting an environment of systemic inequality.

Details of how Cognizant discriminated against non-Indian employees surface: Report

The revolving door phenomenon is evident with a notable proportion of Cognizant's lobbyists having held previous government positions. This prior government experience raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and excessive corporate influence on policymaking processes, possibly bolstering authoritarian initiatives.

Cognizant Technology Solutions Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

The company's public policy page confirms its commitment to ethical political engagement through transparent practices and adherence to a robust Political Activity Policy. By actively encouraging employee participation in civic activities and partnering with governments and civil society in a responsible manner, Cognizant positions itself against authoritarian misuse of corporate power. This proactive stance earns a positive score on Public and Political Behavior.

Public Policy

The policy emphasizes the role of senior executives and specialized teams in managing political engagement activities, including oversight by the Board’s governance committee. While such structures may foster transparency and legal compliance, they also illustrate how corporate leadership remains deeply involved in political processes—an involvement that anti‑fascist perspectives view as inherently problematic due to the potential for reinforcing corporate power over democratic institutions.

Political Activity Policy

The bribery scheme indicates a willingness on the part of Cognizant to engage in economic collaboration through illicit means. By engaging in covert financial transactions to secure government contracts, the company compromised regulatory oversight and contributed to a culture of corruption that can indirectly bolster authoritarian tendencies by undermining public trust and the rule of law.

SEC Charges Cognizant and Two Former Executives With FCPA Violations