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 Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) announced on 4th of April that they will initiate cooperation negotiations starting 11th of April which will deal to the layoff of 143 employees. The negotiations are a result of a need for the Authority to make budget cuts, as they currently exceed the funding from the state budget. In the budget year of 2024, the Authority needs to reduce their spending by €4,4 million. During next period of 2025-2028, the Finnish Food Authority needs to reduce their spending by €10 million.
Relating to these financial adjustments, an internal restructuring is required. During 2024, the plan is to furlough the whole staff during a period of time. Until 2025, a maximum of 143 employees will be laid-off, according to preliminary plans.
The Finnish Food Authority works for the good of humans, animals, plants, the agricultural sector, and information systems. The Authority operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and its head office is located in Seinäjoki, Finland. The Authority has around 1,000 employees at 20 locations within Finland.
Eurofound (2024), Finnish Food Authority, Internal restructuring in Finland, factsheet number 201051, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/201051.