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.
Italian bank Banca Popolare dell’Emila Romagna (Bper) announced its intention to reduce its workforce by 581 employees and to close 130 branch offices by the end of 2017.
The decision is part of the business plan covering the 2014-2017 period driven by the need to reduce costs. The business plan envisages a restructuring process involving the reduction of branch offices, the implementation of a hub & spoke network, the supply of digital banking services, a stronger orientation toward consumer finance, as well as measures aimed at improving risk management and reducing operating costs.
The restructuring will entail a net reduction of 581 employees who will be eligible for retirement by the end of 2017. The plan is also to create 200 new jobs for the development of new services.
Trade unions complained that they have not been consulted by the management yet and that it is not clear from the industrial plan if the 'net reduction of the workforce' takes into account the 200 new entrants.
Update 14/08/2015: Consultations with unions were concluded confirming a net 581 head count reduction, to be implemented by means of 781 early retirements and 200 new hirings. The agreement also envisages training and internal relocations for 507 employees.
Eurofound (2015), BPER, Internal restructuring in Italy, factsheet number 78668, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/78668.