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.
In December 2012, Poland-based chemicals manufacturer, Zakłady Chemiczne Zachem announced plans to cut 600 jobs in the factory in Bydgoszcz by the end of 2012.
The company signed a bilateral agreement with the local trade unions. All staff affected by the restructuring programme will receive severance pay of 50,000 PLN.
The redundancies are due to Zachem giving up the production of its main product TDI, used in manufacturing of polyurethane foams.
The company was established in 1948 and was state-owned until its privatization in 2006. It used to be the biggest employer in the area, once employing 7000 people.
As reported, Poland has applied for assistance from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF).
Eurofound (2012), Zakłady Chemiczne Zachem, Internal restructuring in Poland, factsheet number 74749, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/74749.