Cognizant Discriminated Against Non-Indian Workers In H-1B Visa Case, U.S. Jury Finds
9th October 2024
A US jury has found that employment practices at Cognizant constitute discriminatory conduct toward non-Indian workers in a case that originated in 2013 and claimed the tech giant favored H-1B visa holders from India over local workers.
Last week’s verdict [PDF] says the IT service giant should pay punitive damages. It followed Cognizant’s failed attempt to have a federal judge dismiss a 2017 class action lawsuit alleging bias on the grounds of race and nationality after a previous trial ended without the jury reaching a verdict.
The US-based tech outsourcing and consultancy firm denies the claims. A spokesperson for Cognizant told The Register it was disappointed with the latest verdict and plans to vigorously defend itself on appeal.
“We provide equal employment opportunities for all employees and have built a diverse and inclusive workplace that promotes a culture of belonging in which all employees feel valued, are engaged and have the opportunity to develop and succeed. Cognizant does not tolerate discrimination and takes such claims seriously,” they said.