Automation in the automotive sector: Romania, Spain and Germany

This study investigates the impact of technological upgrades and automation on employment and working conditions in the automotive sector in Romania, Spain, and Germany. Utilising qualitative research methods, it examines work organisation, job quality, and occupational composition from a gender perspective. The findings of the study, exploring the impact of technology, identified the main drivers for automation implementation as increased productivity, quality, and reduced manual labour availability. Automation and robotisation have also increased flexibility in coping with the variable composition of final products and the traceability of production processes. Barriers include high costs, technical difficulties, and the need for worker training. It observed that automation could simplify tasks, create new jobs, and increase responsibilities in middle management and team/shift leaders while potentially reducing worker autonomy and increasing work pace. Positive job quality implications include ergonomics and improved operators' safety. Automation has reduced the number of line operators while increasing maintenance workers, quality control, logistics and indirect labour. The study observed vertical and horizontal gender segregation in hybrid production processes, with advancements towards horizontal gender equality in technologically advanced establishments. Addressing cultural attitudes and technical challenges is crucial for equitable benefits as both industries undergo a transitional phase.