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.
Kostal, a German car parts maker, announced 140 job cuts at its manufacturing site in Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick, as part of a restructuring of its Irish operation. The layoffs will affect the Abbeyfeale site only, while production in Mallow (Co Cork) will remain unaffected. The redundancy process is already underway, with a consultation phase to begin immediately.
The restructuring is driven by a decision to move the production of its On Board Charger (OBC) products out of Ireland, a shift that prompted the company to reduce headcount at the Abbeyfeale plant.
SIPTU, the Irish trade union, has reacted to the announcement, expressing shock and anger at the scale of the redundancies. The union will fully engage in the redundancy consultation process and seek the best possible outcome for its members.
Eurofound (2026), Kostal, Offshoring/Delocalisation in Ireland, factsheet number 204251, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/204251.