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.
Novandie, a company specialised in the production of white cheeses and fresh cheeses marketed under the 'Mamie Nova' brand, has announced the reorganisation of its business to its central works council. The group is launching an employment safeguard plan for its five sites in France, at Savigné L'Evêque (Sarthe) and at Maromme (Seine-Maritime). In total, 131 positions will be cut : 62 in Savigné on a total workforce of 117 employees and 69 in Maromme.
The management will propose reemployment measures within the group and invidual support to help the affected employees to find a new job outside the company. In Savigné, management plans to close two of the four production lines that are currently underutilised. The remaining two lines will be able to run at full capacity. The two packaging lines would be maintained and the production oriented towards simpler products, thus easier to make profitable. The group explains it has to cope with a decreasing demand of white and fresh cheeses and a price war with supermarkets that reduces its margin.
Eurofound (2018), Novandie, Internal restructuring in France, factsheet number 94453, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/94453.