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.
LKQ Belgium, a branch of the multinational LKQ group, specialised in distributing alternates and speciality parts to repair and accessorise automobiles and other vehicles, has announced restructuring measures thatĀ involve significant dismissals. In total 108 employees are currently at risk of losing their job. In the months leading up to the current restructuring efforts approximately 50 employees were already dismissed nationwide. The company management states that the current Covid-19 crisis has had a significant impact on the automobile market and forces them to take action. Local trade union delegations are however skeptical, as all employees were on temporary unemployment during the crisis, reducing labour costs significantly for the company.
Eurofound (2020), LKQ Belgium, Internal restructuring in Belgium, factsheet number 101149, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/101149.