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.
Oteros, an Spanish sportswear and equipment retailer, has filed a collective redundancy plan (ERE) affecting all 200 of its employees, including 50 based in Málaga. In a letter dated 16 October, Oteros’ management informed staff that its severe financial difficulties, including its inability to meet obligations stemming from a previous insolvency process, had made the business unsustainable. The company stated that the decision to proceed with collective dismissals was necessary to ensure an “orderly cessation” of operations and to prevent further hardship, including unpaid wages.
With no formal union representation, employees have elected a negotiating committee to engage with the company while also preparing protest actions. Workers have expressed deep concern over the likelihood of the company’s liquidation and the prospect of having to rely on the Wage Guarantee Fund (FOGASA) for compensation. Many long-serving employees, some with more than 20 years at Oteros, have described the situation as one of “uncertainty and anguish”.
Eurofound (2025), Oteros, Closure in Spain, factsheet number 203635, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/203635.