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.
Billerud has announced a notice of dismissal for 125 employees in Sweden. The reason for this decision is that the company must adjust its costs to meet the weak economic climate and the decline in orders. The company has called for negotiations with the trade unions concerning dismissals at the company’s three Swedish mills – Gruvön, Skärblacka and Karlsborg – and at the head office in Solna. Billerud Corporate Management Team has also decided to implement with immediate effect a complete prohibition on the use of consultants and external contractors for work that can be performed by Billerud’s own staff. “We have already carried out an extensive savings programme but as the economy worsens we need to take further action,” says Per Lindberg, President and CEO of Billerud. All the Swedish units will be affected by the dismissals.
Billerud is a packaging paper company. Billerud is a supplier of materials to specific segments of the packaging market. Billerud’s production takes place at the Group’s three integrated pulp and paper mills in Sweden – Gruvön (Grums), Karlsborg and Skärblacka – and at the UK paper mill, Beetham. The headoffice is located in Solna, Sweden.
Eurofound (2008), Billerud, Internal restructuring in Sweden, factsheet number 67678, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/67678.