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.
US-based global chemicals company Cabot announced plans to develop a shared service center for Europe, Middle East and Africa, located in Riga. This plan has led to the announced closure of the Belgian site where 107 jobs will be cut by the end of 2014. These jobs are going to be moved to Latvia. According to the management, costs are too high in Belgium to remain competitive. Unions have expressed surprise at the announcement and protests may be mounted.
Eurofound (2014), Cabot nv, Offshoring/Delocalisation in Belgium, factsheet number 76519, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/76519.