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.
Sykehuset i Vestfold (Vestfold Hospital Trust) - SiV -runs a specialist health service in somatic medicine, has announced that it is to cut approximately 100 full-time jobs to achieve budget balance. As a result one hospital will be sold and one casualty department closed. As with most hospital trusts, SiV struggles with deficits and demands for cost cuts. In October it was clear that the deficit for 2007 was going to be the same as in 2006, 140-150 million NOK.
Before the Board meeting on 17 December 2007, the downsizing and closure of the casualty department in Larvik was most debated. There were demonstrations in Larvik arranged by the local trade unions, but in vain as the closure decision was only opposed by 2 of the 9 board members. The employee representatives of the Board were, however, able to pass their bill on a consequence analysis before a closure. Nothing is said about how the workforce reduction will be done, but dismissals are not anticipated.
SiV has premises in Larvik, Sandefjord, Horten and Tønsberg, and is part of the state owned Helse Sør-Øst (Southern Norway Regional Health Authority). The hospital is responsible for services to more than 300.000 inhabitants and currently employs 3175 (including temporary workers).
Eurofound (2007), Sykehuset i Vestfold, Internal restructuring in Norway, factsheet number 66130, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/66130.