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.
Purmo, a Belgian manufacturer of radiators for domestic use have declared bankruptcy. All 143 of their employees at their facility in Zonhoven are at risk of being dismissed. The main reasoning behind the closure is a significant reduction in demand for 'classic' radiators in homes. The installation of radiators connected to gas heating systems has been drastically reduced since it is prohibited within newly built homes. Trades unions have started the negotiation and consultation phase with the company management as prescribed within the national restructuring law.
Eurofound (2023), Purmo, Closure in Belgium, factsheet number 109044, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/109044.