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.
Spanish construction company FCC is planning to dismiss 1,267 employees. This amounts to 40% reduction of its entire workforce.
The company has now opened a one month negotiation period aiming to discuss the measure with the unions.
Earlier this year, the company had already dismissed 842 employees.
UPDATE 10/12/2014: FCC has proposed the unions to reduce the number of workers dismissed by 12%. Accordingly, the adjustment would affect 1,117 employees. Unions have not accepted the offer and called for a strike to be held on 10 December.
UPDATE 16/12/2014: FCC and the unions have achieved an agreement which reduces the number of workers dismissed to 875. Dismissed workers will receive a compensation equal to 31 days per year worked.
Eurofound (2013), FCC, Internal restructuring in Spain, factsheet number 76233, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/76233.