Philip Morris Declares No Restructuring Until the End of COVID-19... Employment Stability Announced

Philip Morris CEO Andre Calantzopoulos

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] Philip Morris International (PMI) has declared that it will guarantee job security and psychological stability for its employees until the global COVID-19 pandemic is over.

On the 13th, PMI announced three management principles reflecting the company's commitment to trustworthy management: 'job security,' 'financial stability,' and 'special compensation for frontline workers.'

Andr? Calantzopoulos, Chairman of PMI, stated, “We will overcome the globally spreading COVID-19 through global solidarity by mobilizing all of the company’s capabilities. Above all, supporting our employees and their families continuously, and prioritizing their safety and health in company management will be our top priority.”

He also expressed gratitude, saying, “Thanks to the hard work of employees at factories, sales sites, offices, research labs, and those working remotely to maintain the workplace in each country, the company is operating normally despite an unprecedented crisis.”

The three management principles announced by the company amid the COVID-19 crisis have been officially applied since last month’s 16th, when PMI instructed office workers to work from home. These guidelines will remain in effect until the COVID-19 situation is resolved or sufficiently stabilized.

The specific details of the three principles are ▲Job Security (PMI will not terminate any employee’s employment without special reasons until the end of this crisis, and will postpone any artificial restructuring plans) ▲Financial Stability (PMI will provide regular salaries to all employees during this period regardless of whether they have perfectly fulfilled their professional duties) ▲Special Compensation for Frontline Workers (due to the nature of their work or regulations of the respective countries and regions, employees who must remain at factories, warehouses, sales sites, and offices will receive special compensation during this crisis period. PMI will also take all necessary safety measures to protect employees working on-site).

Charles Bendotti, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Culture at PMI, said, “The approximately 73,000 PMI employees worldwide have a corporate culture that has grown through overcoming crises. We will unite our efforts to overcome this crisis and become a stronger company.”

Meanwhile, since the outbreak of COVID-19, PMI has been responding to the crisis through social solidarity in more than 60 countries. The company has provided medical and health protective equipment to trading partner countries and supported caregiving communities. It is also purchasing and procuring quarantine supplies necessary for COVID-19 response and providing financial support to public health institutions and NGOs.

Additionally, PMI employees are directly participating in volunteer activities to help the elderly, low-income groups, and other vulnerable populations, and some factories are producing hand sanitizers and masks for local communities. PMI, which has pledged more than $24 million in monetary donations related to the COVID-19 crisis so far, plans to continue support and donations according to the circumstances of each country and region.