The labor strike at the Oshkosh plant underscores significant discontent among workers regarding wages, work schedules, and the reliance on temporary labor. This situation indicates shortcomings in Cummins' labor relations and human rights practices, reflecting a failure to uphold fair labor standards and support worker protections—a stance contrary to progressive, anti-authoritarian values.

Workers at Cummins' Oshkosh plant strike over pay, schedule, temp workers

Cummins' approach to labor relations is criticized for allowing the contract to expire without timely in-person negotiations. The limited engagement and delay in returning to the negotiating table have contributed to a strike by union members, undermining workers' rights and fair labor practices. From an anti-fascist perspective, this neglect of labor rights reflects a failure to support worker empowerment.

Union Workers Strike at Cummins in Oshkosh

Cummins' deep-rooted commitment to diversity and inclusion, as evidenced by its decades-long focus on these values and its proactive evaluation of its DEI programs, underscores robust business practices and ethical responsibility. This move reinforces its role as an ethical corporate citizen in opposition to regressive, authoritarian policies.

Cummins evaluates DEI initiative following executive orders and remains committed to inclusive workplace

Cummins Inc.'s disclosure of $70,000 in lobbying activities in Q4 2024 highlights the company’s engagement in influencing legislative matters. Although the issues under discussion – such as electric vehicle legislation, corporate tax reforms, and workforce policies – tend to be progressive in nature, the use of corporate political influence raises concerns about the integrity of democratic processes and accountability. This political maneuvering, even if transparent, is viewed as a mild negative through an anti-fascist lens.

Lobbying Update: $70,000 of CUMMINS INC. lobbying was just disclosed

The resolution highlights Cummins Inc.'s failure to fully disclose all lobbying expenditures, including those routed through indirect channels and trade associations. This lack of transparency undermines accountability and potentially supports political influence that can block progressive policies such as robust climate action, aligning with authoritarian corporate practices.

Lobbying Expenditures Disclosure - Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility

Data from the same OpenSecrets profile highlights that a notable proportion of Cummins Inc.'s lobbyists have previously held government positions (10 out of 16 in 2023 and 8 out of 14 in 2024), exposing a revolving door dynamic. This trend raises concerns about potential regulatory capture and the undermining of democratic governance.

Cummins Inc Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

Cummins' proactive lobbying by its CEO demonstrates strong executive political engagement in favor of progressive climate policies. By advocating for the Build Back Better Act despite some tax drawbacks, the company aligns itself with measures aimed at addressing climate change, which is viewed positively from an anti-fascist and progressive perspective.

Why engine maker Cummins is lobbying President Biden for new climate policies

The CEO’s public statement explicitly supports expanding voting rights and denounces efforts aimed at disenfranchising marginalized communities. This act represents strong executive political engagement that opposes authoritarian practices and promotes democratic inclusion, aligning with anti-fascist and progressive values.

Cummins Chairman and CEO Tom Linebarger Issues Statement on Voting Rights

The reported PAC fundraising suggests that Cummins Inc. is actively engaged in political financing. From an anti-fascist perspective, such corporate political spending may contribute to an undue influence in politics that can undermine democratic accountability and potentially support authoritarian agendas. This score reflects concerns over corporate political influence.

PAC Profile: Cummins Inc • OpenSecrets