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.
Primotecs in Avigliana, an Italian manufacturing firm, announced the closure of its Valsusino plant, resulting in the loss of 160 jobs. A meeting between trade unions and local authorities did not resolve the uncertainty surrounding the workers’ future. Union representatives reiterated their firm opposition to the closure of the long‑established production site and called for alternative measures to manage the current difficulties. These include the use of social support mechanisms, the search for new customers, and the development of new products. Union leaders criticized the sudden nature of the announcement and stated that they will work with institutions and employees to seek industrial and employment solutions.
Eurofound (2026), Primotecs, Closure in Italy, factsheet number 204006, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/204006.