Hershey Co's reported political contributions and lobbying expenditures have the potential to influence policy directions in favor of entrenched corporate interests. Although the dollar amounts are moderate, the cumulative effect of such political spending can undermine democratic processes and align with broader authoritarian agendas. The lack of additional transparency regarding the use of these funds reinforces these concerns.

Hershey Co Profile: Summary

Based on OpenSecrets data, Hershey Co did not register any political contributions or PAC donations in the 2024 election cycle. This absence of funding for political entities reduces the risk of indirect support to authoritarian policies, earning a positive score in the Public and Political Behavior category, specifically within Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts.

Hershey Co Profile: Totals • OpenSecrets

The data from the FEC filing shows that The Hershey Company Political Action Committee has participated in political contributions, albeit in relatively modest amounts. However, from an anti-fascist perspective, even small-scale political contributions can be viewed as a means for corporate influence in the political arena. This involvement raises concerns about the potential for these funds to indirectly support political outcomes that may align with authoritarian agendas. The engagement in political fundraising, therefore, contributes negatively to their complicity score.

THE HERSHEY COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE - committee overview

The lawsuit claims that The Hershey Company failed to pay its workers for mandatory protective equipment routines, effectively exploiting labor and depriving workers of overtime compensation. This reflects a significant failure in labor relations and human rights practices and contributes to the corporate complicity in sustaining exploitative systems, aligning with concerns over business practices that undermine social justice.

Hershey class action claims company does not pay workers for getting in and out of protective equipment

The article details a prolonged dispute at the Hershey plant where allegations of union-busting and retaliation were levied against The Hershey Company. The union's decision to withdraw its election petition, citing a significant chilling effect on worker organization, reflects a disregard for labor rights and fair practices. Such actions contribute to an environment that aligns with authoritarian practices by undermining workers' rights and union activities.

Union withdraws election petition at Stuarts Draft Hershey plant

The article details allegations of union busting at The Hershey Company’s facility, including the firing of a known union sympathizer and subsequent legal and administrative actions. Such practices undermine workers' rights and contribute to an environment where corporate power suppresses labor organization, aligning with authoritarian practices. This negative conduct in labor relations warrants a score of -40 in the 'Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices' category.

Union back on the ballot for Hershey employees

The evidence detailed in the article—including prolonged working hours, a two-tier wage system, and an orchestrated union-busting campaign using a dedicated anti-union website—demonstrates a flagrant disregard for labor rights. Such practices not only exploit workers but also undermine the democratic process within the workplace, aligning with broader authoritarian and anti-worker strategies.

There’s No Sugarcoating Hershey’s Abuse of Workers and Union-Busting Tactics

The Hershey Company's use of union-busting consultants, the organization of mandatory anti-union meetings, and the overall hostile approach towards workers' rights are clear indicators of oppressive business practices. Such actions suppress collective bargaining and worker empowerment, contributing to a dynamic that can be associated with authoritarian management practices and exploitation.

More than 1,000 Hershey’s workers vote on plan to unionize Virginia plant

The Hershey Company's reported expenditure of $477,000 on lobbying and political contributions totaling $74,489 in 2016 illustrates its engagement in influencing political outcomes. Such practices are concerning from a left-leaning, anti-fascist perspective, as they contribute to an imbalance in political power by leveraging corporate funds to sway policy decisions in favor of business interests, potentially enabling authoritarian practices.

How candy lobbying dollars were spent in election year

The lawsuit alleges that Hershey's failure to disclose and address the use of child labour within its cocoa supply chain demonstrates a significant neglect of ethical sourcing practices. This breach in supply chain ethics undermines human rights standards and contributes indirectly to broader structures of corporate complicity in oppressive practices.

Hershey lawsuit (re child labour in Côte d'Ivoire, filed in ...