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.
Ergon Group has initiated collective dismissal procedures affecting approximately 150 workers across 21 acquired former Gicap supermarkets as the rental branch agreement expires December 31. Workers and unions organised strikes and protests at Messina Prefecture demanding intervention to prevent year-end job losses.
In 2021, Messina Tribunal granted Ergon rental management of 39 Gicap network stores from preventive composition proceedings. Ergon purchased 21 outlets while two transferred to other companies, leaving 16 excluded stores in temporary management operating only through year-end with concrete closure risk. Several Ard Discount and Maxi Sconto branded locations have already closed, with others following as merchandise orders cease and shelves progressively empty.
Filcams CGIL, Fisascat CISL, and Uiltucs (trade unions) highlighted profound concern "over black clouds gathering over the former Gicap network".
Eurofound (2025), Ergon, Internal restructuring in Italy, factsheet number 203808, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/203808.