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.
Same Deutz Fahr Žetelice factory in Županja has ceased with the production of combine harvesters, and almost two hundred workers have lost their jobs.
The tradition of manufacturing combine harvesters in this city dates back to 1984, and in 2005 they were taken over by the Italian group Same Deutz Fahr. In their best days, they produced up to 400 machines per year for the world market. However, the Italian owner announced the closure of the factory; and is now looking for a partner for the production of service and replacement parts for the combines. Laid-off workers should get EUR 840 in severance payments per year of working experience. Older workers are in the worst situation because they will have a hard time finding a new quality job, and they do not meet the conditions for retirement.
Eurofound (2024), Same Deutz Fahr Žetelice , Closure in Croatia, factsheet number 201812, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/201812.