McKesson's active engagement in political lobbying—as documented by OpenSecrets—suggests that it is channeling significant resources to influence policy outcomes in its favor. Such practices undermine democratic processes and risk bolstering corporate power at the expense of workers and marginalized communities.

McKesson Corp Lobbying Profile • OpenSecrets

The settlement resulted from findings by the OFCCP that McKesson's hiring practices disadvantaged nearly 900 applicants, including Black and Hispanic candidates, in violation of federal nondiscrimination guidelines. Although remedial steps are being taken, the discriminatory practices reflect a significant failure in upholding labor rights and human rights practices.

McKesson pays $448,000 to settle discriminatory hiring allegations

The settlement stems from systemic hiring discrimination that affected hundreds of applicants, including significant numbers of Black and Hispanic individuals. While the remedial measures such as back wage payments and extended job offers represent a corrective step, the underlying discriminatory practices constitute a serious breach of fair labor and human rights standards.

McKesson Subsidiary Resolves Discrimination Claims for $448,000

The settlement highlights serious deficiencies in McKesson’s hiring practices and its failure to ensure equal opportunity for marginalized groups. The conciliation agreement, which includes back payments and commitments to offer jobs and retrain management, underscores a significant breach in labor relations and human rights practices, negatively impacting marginalized communities.

McKesson will pay $448,000 for hiring bias against Black, Hispanic and white applicants

The settlement, enforced by the OFCCP, marks a corrective response to systemic discriminatory hiring practices that targeted hundreds of applicants. By agreeing to pay back wages, interest, and extend job offers, McKesson Medical-Surgical demonstrates a commitment to remedying racial discrimination in its hiring process, aligning with anti-fascist labor practices and supporting marginalized communities.

McKesson Corp. subsidiary to pay $448K in back wages, interest to resolve alleged systemic racial hiring discrimination in Grapevine

The OpenSecrets profile exposes McKesson's extensive lobbying activities, which raise concerns about the company's use of political influence to shape healthcare policy and potentially favor corporate interests over public welfare. From an anti-fascist, progressive perspective, such heavy engagement in political lobbying is seen as undermining democratic accountability and transparency.

McKesson Corp Profile: Lobbying • OpenSecrets

McKesson's reported $3.15M expenditure on lobbying in 2023 is indicative of a deliberate effort to shape policy in ways that may favor corporate interests over public welfare. Such lobbying activities are perceived as undermining democratic processes and are concerning from a progressive perspective.

McKesson Corp Issues Lobbied • OpenSecrets

McKesson’s refusal to offer an adequate health care plan and its repeated undermining of union negotiations, along with prioritizing billions in stock buybacks instead of investing in worker welfare, reflect a significant disregard for labor rights and ethical business practices.

Teamsters Authorize Strike at McKesson

McKesson's actions—repeatedly undercutting Teamsters' bargaining efforts by rejecting a fair health care plan and focusing on massive stock buybacks—demonstrate a disregard for worker rights and fair labor practices. This move not only undermines the welfare of its workforce but also reinforces corporate priorities that contribute to broader social inequities, aligning with authoritarian economic practices.

TEAMSTERS AUTHORIZE STRIKE AT MCKESSON - PR Newswire

McKesson’s active engagement through its Public Affairs team in direct discussions with legislators and regulators demonstrates a commitment to shaping healthcare policy with a patient-first approach. While corporate political engagement can raise concerns over undue influence, the emphasis on access to affordable and quality healthcare suggests a moderate positive impact from a social responsibility standpoint.

Engagement in Healthcare Public Policy

The clear assignment of oversight responsibilities to senior executives and board committees, along with routine reporting, underscores a commitment to accountable executive political engagement. This process reduces the risk of unbridled corporate influence on policy, a positive indicator from an anti-fascist perspective.

Political Engagement

The involvement of McKesson’s senior leadership, including the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and the Chief Executive Officer in the approval process of political contributions, adds an extra layer of oversight. This executive engagement helps ensure that political spending aligns with ethical standards and enhances accountability in corporate political behavior.

Political Engagement

By disclosing detailed information on its lobbying activities and public policy priorities for 2022, McKesson demonstrates transparency and accountability. This openness supports public oversight and serves as a countermeasure to opaque corporate political practices that could fuel authoritarian agendas.

Report on 2022 Lobbying Activities - McKesson

The improved contract following the strike reflects a significant positive change in McKesson's labor relations and human rights practices. The company's management acknowledged the workers' concerns about overwork and disrespect by offering better wages, benefits, and a collaborative labor-management framework, aligning with anti-authoritarian and progressive labor values.

3-week strike at McKesson ends, helped by solidarity of strikers and all of Labor