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.
Bekaert, a company specialized in the processing of metals, announced the intention to cut 600 jobs in Belgium. The plants concerned are in Aalter, Zwevegem, Deerlijk and Ingelmunster.
According to the management, there are several reasons for the restructuring: the fast and structural change of the worldwide market of solar energy, growing uncertainty about certain markets and global long-term volatility.
Currently, the unions are in negotiations with the management in an effort to reduce the number of layoffs. The timeline for the cuts is not yet known.
Earlier, the company had already announced the cut of 1,250 workplaces in China.
Eurofound (2012), Bekaert, Internal restructuring in Belgium, factsheet number 73087, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/73087.