The report draws attention to significant allegations of human rights abuses in the supply chain, suggesting inadequate ethical sourcing practices and oversight. This has prompted investor intervention and adds to concerns about the company’s broader supply chain ethics.

Investors ramp up pressure on PepsiCo and Mondelez over India supply chains

PepsiCo India Holdings Pvt Ltd., as part of its global operations, is implicated by complaints alleging unfair labour practices. US Teamsters unions have accused the company of imposing anti-worker policies, such as prohibiting discussions on wages and discouraging unionization, which are indicative of broader labor rights violations. Such practices contribute to an environment that undermines worker empowerment and can indirectly support authoritarian labor suppression tactics.

US Unions Accuse PepsiCo of Unfair Labour Practices

The article highlights PepsiCo's extensive engagement in political contributions and lobbying efforts, including detailed disclosure of spending through mechanisms such as the PepsiCo Concerned Citizens Fund and federal lobbying activities. From a left leaning anti-fascist perspective, even with robust transparency and adherence to legal standards, such political activity is seen as a symptom of corporate complicity in influencing policy in ways that could undermine democratic checks on power.

Public Policy Engagement, Political Activities and Contributions Guidelines

Allegations of abusive practices in PepsiCo’s Brazilian supply chain—including illegal land grabs, forced removals, and toxic exposures—highlight severe ethical breaches. The lack of transparency in addressing these issues further compounds concerns regarding human rights violations.

PepsiCo’s political activities face investor scrutiny

By engaging in legal actions that serve to establish monopolistic control over seed production and force farmers into costly legal disputes, PepsiCo demonstrates a strategy of economic enclosure. This not only concentrates market power in the hands of a multinational but also weakens local agricultural economies.

PepsiCo and Monsanto’s bogus court cases are war on Indian farmers

The legal strategy of suing farmers over patent issues is seen as an unethical use of corporate power, undermining the rights and livelihoods of local agricultural communities. Critics argue this approach prioritizes corporate profits over ethical business practices and fair treatment, warranting a significantly negative score in Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility.

PepsiCo faces political heat over taking farmers to court

PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi’s decision to join Donald Trump's Strategic and Policy Forum is indicative of executive political engagement that potentially assists an administration with authoritarian leanings. Given Trump’s controversial policies and the broader alignment of corporate elites with executive power, this move is seen as contributing to corporate complicity in legitimizing government actions that may impede diversity, equity, and the rights of marginalized communities. From an anti-fascist perspective, such alignment erodes democratic accountability and strengthens a trend of corporate endorsement of policies that favor consolidating power.

PepsiCo chief Indra Nooyi joins Donald Trump's strategic policy forum

The incident at the PepsiCo India supplier displays egregious labor rights violations where workers were coerced into renouncing their union rights under threat of dismissal and blacklisting. This kind of behavior aligns with authoritarian practices that suppress worker autonomy and contribute to systemic labor exploitation, making it a significant negative factor in assessing the company's complicity in supporting such practices.

Still fighting for reinstatement! Unfairly dismissed workers at PepsiCo India supplier refuse to surrender rights

The article details accusations that PepsiCo has been obstructing workers' efforts to unionize at its West Bengal factory, an allegation that points to severe labor rights violations. Such practices undermine worker protection and contribute to an environment where corporate power suppresses grassroots labor organization, aligning with authoritarian practices.

India: PepsiCo accused of human rights violations