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.

Vidriería Rovira, a Catalan glass manufacturer and subsidiary of the American Owens-Illinois multinational, has announced the closure of its plant in Barcelona, leaving 170 employees—95% of its workforce—unemployed. The company plans to cease production and logistics operations, retaining only a small commercial office. The closure aligns with Owens-Illinois' global restructuring strategy, aiming to cut operational costs and reduce production capacity by 4%, citing falling demand and financial pressures. The closure is expected to be finalised by Spring 2025.
Trade unions have strongly opposed the closure, demanding negotiations to explore alternatives that safeguard jobs and the company’s future. They have also urged governmental intervention, given the significant impact on the local industrial sector. The decision comes as the workforce remains under a temporary redundancy scheme (ERTE).
Eurofound (2025), Vidrieria Rovira, Closure in Spain, factsheet number 202327, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/202327.