Infosys's method of terminating 370 trainees involved coercion and a lack of due process, with employees forced to sign resignation letters under pressure. This not only violates labor rights but also undermines ethical business practices, which is particularly concerning given the company's repeated instances of such dismissals over the past seven months.

Infosys continues layoffs despite ongoing probe, 370 more let go

The mass layoff incident at Infosys raises significant concerns regarding fair labor practices and worker rights. The termination of over 100 employees following internal assessment failures, accompanied by allegations of intimidation tactics and pressure to sign mutual separation letters, reflects unethical labor relations. Complaints to the PMO and intervention by the labour ministry indicate that the company’s practices are failing to protect its workforce, aligning with broader patterns of corporate practices that undermine worker rights.

Infosys Mass Layoff Controversy Escalates: Over 100 Sacked Employees Petition PMO, Govt Steps In

Infosys faced sharp criticism after terminating 350 freshers without adequate transparency in its performance assessment process. The intervention by Labour Minister Santosh Lad, following a complaint by the IT employees’ union, highlights potential unfair labor practices and neglect of worker rights, thus reflecting negatively on the company's labor relations and ethical responsibility.

‘IT firms lack transparency in layoffs’: Labour Minister Santosh Lad pulls up Infosys for sacking 350 freshers

Infosys' decision to terminate 350 freshers, based on stringent internal assessments, has raised significant concerns about worker rights and fair labor practices. The government’s decision to refer the case to the Karnataka labour commissioner highlights potential issues of unlawful termination and the marginalization of new employees, reflecting poor treatment of labor which is contrary to progressive, worker-friendly policies.

Government Steps In as Infosys Faces Scrutiny Over 350 Freshers' Termination; Labour Ministry To Intervene - Details Here

The decision to lay off a large number of trainee employees has had a detrimental impact on worker rights and well‑being. The abrupt nature of the layoffs, which left employees without housing and precipitated mental health crises, underscores a significant disregard for labor standards and human rights.

Infosys Faces Backlash Over Alleged Massive Layoffs

Infosys, along with other IT companies, is reported to have made sizable donations via the opaque electoral bonds system. This lack of transparency in political financing can undermine democratic accountability and potentially bolster authoritarian influences, a concern from an anti-fascist perspective.

SBI electoral bonds: Infosys and other IT companies in donors list

The reported lobbying expenditure, while not explicitly tied to far‐right or authoritarian candidates, represents corporate influence over public policy. From an anti-fascist perspective, such political spending can reinforce elite interests and undermine democratic accountability, resulting in a negative assessment.

Infosys Ltd Lobbying Profile

The ESG report emphasizes robust internal initiatives such as comprehensive DEI training and continuous education, which foster an inclusive workplace environment and uphold workers' rights, aligning with anti-fascist and progressive labor practices.

ESG Report and Annual Accounts 2022-2023

The reported $340,000 expenditure on lobbying activities in 2023 to shape key policy areas such as immigration and workforce training highlights Infosys's proactive engagement in influencing regulatory frameworks in ways that benefit corporate interests at the potential expense of democratic accountability.

IT firms donate modest sums through electoral bonds

The report emphasizes strong technology governance including leading practices in data privacy, cybersecurity, and the use of emerging technologies responsibly. These practices underscore Infosys' commitment to protecting individual rights and ensuring technology is used beneficially.

PDF Infosys_ESG Report PRINT.indd

Infosys Ltd's reported $340,000 lobbying expenditure in 2023, executed through a major government relations firm, suggests an effort to shape policy outcomes. In the context of rising concerns over corporate influence on democratic processes and the potential to enable authoritarian policies, this activity is seen as contributing negatively to democratic accountability.

Infosys Ltd Lobbyists • OpenSecrets

Infosys's allocation of $340,000 for lobbying in 2023 reflects an effort to influence U.S. policy. From an anti-fascist perspective, such activity contributes to corporate political influence which can undermine democratic accountability and potentially support policies harmful to marginalized communities, making this a negative development.

Infosys Ltd Lobbying Reports

The launch of the Responsible Supply Chain and Supplier Diversity Policy, along with the update of the Supplier Code of Conduct and introduction of an ESG learning portal for suppliers, highlights Infosys's proactive approach in ensuring ethical practices throughout its supply chain, further bolstering its human rights framework.

Human Rights - Infosys

The settlement also points to unethical business practices related to tax fraud. This undermines corporate transparency and accountability, which is essential in ensuring ethical business responsibilities and safeguarding community interests.

Attorney General Becerra Announces $800,000 Settlement Against Infosys for Misclassification of Foreign Workers and Tax Fraud

Infosys's donation of Rs 1 crore to Janata Dal (Secular) reflects a choice to support a secular, non-authoritarian political entity. In the context of opaque electoral funding mechanisms, this donation, though modest, can be seen as supporting democratic pluralism rather than fostering authoritarian dynamics.

Electoral bonds: Infosys among 3 IT companies that donated to political parties, Cyient largest donor

Infosys's donation of Rs 1 crore to Janata Dal (Secular) during the Karnataka assembly elections is indicative of corporate involvement in electoral politics, which can foster quid pro quo relationships and undermine democratic transparency.

IT firms donate modest sums through electoral bonds

Infosys details comprehensive supply chain measures including mandatory Supplier Code of Conduct, contractual obligations for compliance with local laws, and ongoing supplier audits and training. These initiatives actively work to eliminate modern slavery and human trafficking within the supply chain and promote ethical sourcing.

PDF INFOSYS LIMITED - Business & Human Rights Resource Centre

Infosys’s donation to Janata Dal (Secular) represents a form of corporate political engagement that supports a political party not aligned with authoritarian or far‑right ideologies. By channeling contributions via electoral bonds, the company has engaged in public political behavior. While political donations can be contentious, in this context the choice of recipient suggests an anti‑fascist alignment that promotes diverse political representation.

IT Giants Donate to Political Parties via Electoral Bonds - IndiaInfoline

Infosys outlines rigorous supplier code of conduct and responsible supply chain policies to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking. The measures include insisting on supplier compliance with local laws, regular audits, and clear expectations regarding fair practices, which collectively underline its commitment to ethical sourcing.

PDF Infosys Limited - Statement Under Section 54(1) of The Modern Slavery ...

Infosys engaged in practices that exploited visa loopholes by using B-1 visa holders to perform work that should be reserved for H-1B visa holders or U.S. citizens. This deliberate circumvention of immigration law not only hurt American workers by undermining wage and labor protections but also represents a serious breach of ethical business practices.

Indian corporation pays record $34 million fine to settle allegations of systemic visa fraud and abuse of immigration processes