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.
The Spanish ceramics company Lladro will implement and employment adjustment affecting 300 workers. In 2013 the company implemented a temporary working time reduction plan that affected 30% of the working time between 2014 and 2016. However, the plan has not been enough to allow to the company to recuperate its profitability. In 2014, sales reached €37.7 million compared to €43 million in 2013. Moreover, the company lost €4.4 million in the manufacturing sector, which will be the most affected by the dismissals. The intention of the company is to achieve an agreement with the trade unions on the dismissals and compensatory measures.
Eurofound (2016), Lladró, Internal restructuring in Spain, factsheet number 86122, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/86122.