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.
On 19 March 2009, the German engine manufacturer Deutz announced to cut 600 jobs, mostly at its site in Cologne. 200 jobs shall be cut in a socially acceptable manner. In addition, 400 temporary agency workers will be affected by the cuts. Deutz had already downsized its number of temporary agency workers from 1,200 to 400 in the second half of 2008. At the end of 2008, Deutz employed 4,930 workers. By reducing personnel costs, the company seeks to balance its losses due to an ongoing slump in demand.
Eurofound (2009), Deutz, Internal restructuring in Germany, factsheet number 68539, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/68539.