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.
Super Bock Group, the largest Portuguese soft drinks multi-brand company will reduce its workforce by 10%, in different areas of the organisation.
The reasons indicated in the statement sent by the company to the workers council listed 'significant reduction in the activity of the Super Bock Group caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the recession scenario expected in the near future, force the company to readjust its structure to defend and protect the sustainability of the group'.
The group stated that they have put in place a support programme for the dismissed workers which includes specific conditions above the minimun legal requirements, as well as an outplacement and training programme focused on employability.
In 2018, the group indicated that it had 1,310 employees, of which 1,060 were permanent employees.
In addition to the Super Bock beer, the group also has the water brands Pedras and Vitalis, the Somersby cider, among others. Additionally, it owns some hotel units, such as Vidago Palace and Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park.
Eurofound (2020), Super Bock Group, Internal restructuring in Portugal, factsheet number 101119, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/101119.