In a show of deep support for its employees, Philip Morris International (PMI) Inc. announced on April 9 a series of commitments to its employees.
The largest pledge is that the company will not terminate the employment of any employee during this crisis period, unless for cause.
The company also said it will continue to provide regular compensation to all employees, irrespective of their ability to perform fully their professional duties during this period.
The reason given for these policies is to “ensure job security and peace of mind, throughout the global pandemic period.”
Furthermore, employees who need to be physically present at their usual work locations (in factories, in warehouses, in the field, or in offices), as and where permitted by local regulations, will be given special recognition awards during this crisis period.
“PMI will continue to contribute to the global response to this pandemic in every way we can," said André Calantzopoulos, CEO, PM. "First and foremost, we will continue to support our employees and their families, and protect their safety and health. Nothing matters more. Thanks to our employees across the world, working in factories, in the field, offices, laboratories or remotely at home, our business continues to operate as normally as possible under these unprecedented circumstances.”
Employees who need to be physically present at their usual work locations (in factories, in warehouses, in the field, or in offices), as and where permitted by local regulations, will be given special recognition awards during this crisis period.
These policies became effective as of March 16, 2020—when PMI directed most office-based employees to work from home—and will remain until the company determines that the crisis has passed or has sufficiently subsided.
“Our company is resilient and strong, and that is a testament to our more than 73,000 employees worldwide,” said Charles Bendotti, senior vice president of People & Culture, PMI. “I believe we will emerge even stronger from this global crisis, having pulled together and worked together to see each other through.”
Efforts to fight the pandemic include $24 million to support the needs of the 60 countries in which the company operates.
A number of initiatives have been undertaken including in-kind donations, as well as volunteer work by teams to support national and local efforts to combat the virus and help those most affected by it. The company’s activities include providing protective equipment to trade partners, support to care communities, procurement support to purchase items essential to the fight against COVID-19, and financial support to institutions and NGOs working to end this crisis.
Additionally, employees in many countries are volunteering to help elderly, low-income, and other vulnerable populations and some of its factories are producing hand sanitizer and masks for local communities.
