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.
Dow Chemical, a US producer of speciality materials, has announced a restructuring plan in France which includes 196 job cuts between September and December 2009. Under the plan, the company will reduce employment in the units in Paris, Valbonne, Chauny and Lauterbourg, and close its plant in Semoy in north-central France, which has a workforce of 90.
Dow Chemical justified the move as a response to the unfavourable economic environment and the global recession. In addition, the company noted it was undertaking the current measure in order to reduce its fixed costs.
On 9 July 2009, a work council will examine this plan.
Eurofound (2009), Dow Chemical, Internal restructuring in France, factsheet number 69228, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/69228.