Ethics in the digital workplace
Digitisation and automation technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), can affect working conditions in a variety of ways and their use in the workplace raises a host of new ethical concerns.
Laboratoires Boiron, the world leader in homeopathic medicines, announced a reorganisation plan with 646 job cuts. The group is facing a sharp decline in sales and profitability since the French government's decision to stop reimbursement of this alternative medication by the social security system. The group has decided to close one of its three production sites, at Montrichard near Tours (69 jobs), and 12 of the 27 preparation-distribution sites in France. The reorganisation plan also provides for the creation of 134 new positions.
Laboratoires Boiron employs 3,200 people, including 2,500 in France. Production is 100% French. And its French turnover (56% of its 2019 income) is 70% dependent on medicines that were reimbursable.
Eurofound (2020), Laboratoires Boiron, Internal restructuring in France, factsheet number 100003, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/100003.