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.
Eltel Networks, a Norwegian telecommunications contractor, is cutting approximately 200 jobs. This decision follows the loss of several key contracts with Telenor, resulting in significant financial difficulties for the company.
The layoffs will affect various departments, with 93 of the 130 employees in the eastern part of Norway facing redundancy. As part of the restructuring process, Eltel Networks has conducted consultation meetings with union representatives and affected employees in compliance with Norwegian labour laws. The company has expressed regret over the situation and emphasised its intention to collaborate with union representatives during the transition.
Among the affected employees are union representatives and safety officers, which has drawn considerable criticism. Trade unions have strongly condemned the size of the layoffs, particularly the dismissal of union representatives and safety officers. They view this as a direct attack on workers' rights and have organised demonstrations in support of the affected employees. Union representatives have called for greater transparency and fairness in the redundancy process, urging Eltel Networks to reconsider its decisions and explore alternatives to layoffs.
Eurofound (2024), Eltel Networks, Internal restructuring in Norway, factsheet number 202044, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/202044.