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.
The Norwegian salmon company Salmosea, with Salmar as its largest owner, has announced the closure of its operations at the slaughterhouse located in Flerengsstranda, Trøndelag, and the company will cut 112 jobs. While the company has attributed the closure to the newly introduced ground rent tax, it is worth noting that Salmosea required significant investments to maintain its competitiveness.
In response to the closure, Salmar has made agreements with SinkabergHansen, who will prioritize hiring former Salmosea employees in the event of increased demand. The company has extended the following provisions to all its permanent employees: a minimum of three months' notice for termination pay, assistance in facilitating the completion of professional certificates or other courses taken by employees, and a special allocation of NOK two million (equivalent to 170,000 euros) for employee support measures.
The employees express disappointment with the decision of closure, and a union representative from the Norwegian Union of Food, Beverage, and Allied Workers has criticized the insufficient involvement of employees in the decision-making process, as well as the use of employees in the company's opposition against the ground rent tax.
The Norwegian government's introduction of the ground rent tax on salmon in January 2023 has encountered strong opposition from the industry. Consequently, several companies, including Salmar, are adopting a cautious approach, reducing jobs, and withholding investments.
Eurofound (2023), Salmosea, Closure in Norway, factsheet number 109073, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/109073.