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.
Croatian Telecom (CT) continues its transformation by laying off 220 employees with relatively high severance payments. CT has reached an agreement with its social partners on increased severance payments, compared to the level of severance payments laid out in the provisions of the Collective Agreement. The severance payments are, therefore, on average, approximately 20% higher than specified in this agreement and will apply to approximately 220 members of staff whose employment contracts are to be terminated on business-related grounds. The process should be finished by March 31, 2016. The severance packages are based on work experience - the years of continuing employment within the company. The average severance payment cost per employee will amount to HRK 230,000 (€ 30,250) which is a high amount for Croatian situation.
Besides the increased severance payments, CT will also provide counselling and assistance in relation to employment on the open labour market to the employees affected. Apart from the increased severance payments, the Company is also offering programmes for professional retraining based on the worker's choice. The Company has initiated counselling procedure with its Workers' Council and other activities in accordance with the Labour Act and its Collective Agreement. These activities have been initiated in line with the Labour Act and the Collective Agreement.
Eurofound (2016), Croatian Telecom, Internal restructuring in Croatia, factsheet number 86483, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/86483.