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.
Dorel, the furniture manufacturer, announced on 23 November 2006 its reorganisation plan aimed at strengthening its presence in China, reducing the production of its plants located in the European countries. The company, headquartered in Montreal, employs approximately 4,500 people in 14 countries. Dorel has made its decision in order to reduce the production costs. In particular, in Italy, the plan regards the complete termination of production at the plant located in Telgate (province of Bergamo) and the consequent loss of 100 jobs. This is expected to happen in March 2007 The company is to maintain in Telgate the supply and transport unit and the commercial one with around 35 employees. The trade union representatives at the Telgate plant reacted to the decision by going out on strike for four hours and blocking the factory gates. Moreover, the trade unions aim to meet the companys representatives in order to find ways to avoid the redundancies envisaged by the restructuring plan.
Eurofound (2006), Dorel, Offshoring/Delocalisation in Italy, factsheet number 64516, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/64516.