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 Italian BasicNet has ordered 139 Woolrich Europe employees to transfer from Bologna (109) and Milan (30) offices to Turin headquarters by March following its November acquisition of the American brand. Workers refusing relocation face treatment as voluntary resignations without unemployment benefit eligibility, prompting unions to characterize the operation as "collective dismissals disguised as transfers."
Employees issued a pointed letter to new ownership criticizing the immediate decision without consultation or evaluation of alternatives including remote work, mixed locations, minimal territorial presence, or personalized solutions. Workers expressed "profound concern and uncertainty," noting they supported the company through difficult periods, accepting workloads exceeding contractual obligations and foregoing bonuses "with responsibility and sense of trust."
Affected workers include pregnant women, parents recently returned from parental leave, protected category members, disabled persons, caregivers, and those with territorial roots.
Trade unions Filcams CGIL, Fisascat CISL, and Uiltucs declared mobilization and agitation state, demanding dialogue withdrawal of the "anomalous closure and transfer procedure," seeking shared alternative solutions safeguarding employment for 139 families. They criticized BasicNet's unilateral decision without preventive union involvement.
Eurofound (2025), Woolrich, Relocation in Italy, factsheet number 203845, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/203845.