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.
Retailer Intermarche intends to lay off 243 workers across 38 of its logistics establishments with effect from 1st October 2011. The layoffs result from the reorganisation of the payroll and accountancy department.
According to media reports, some 15 workers are at risk of losing their jobs in Rostrenen and 6 further dismissals are envisaged at Magny-le-Désert. However, there are no precise information on the exact number of job losses in each unit.
The dismissals are being disputed in the courts by its central works council. The unions CGT, FO, CFDT and CFE-CGC have questioned the economic justification of the company's plan for the dismissals. The court's ruling is due in the autumn. Between 2005 and 2010, the number of permanent employees declined by more than 2,000 with the total workforce in December 2005 being 10,718 compared to 8,406 by December 2010.
Eurofound (2011), Intermarché, Internal restructuring in France, factsheet number 72280, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/72280.