PMI Digging Deep Into Tobacco Farm Labor Issues

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 05/12/2011

Philip Morris International said on Monday it had entered into a strategic co-operation with Verité, an International NGO specialized in fair labor issues. The collaboration will involve programs to improve the conditions for workers on tobacco farms where tobacco is purchased for PMI products around the world. "Verité will act as a strategic global partner providing assistance on a range of areas, including the worldwide implementation of an agricultural labor practices code, development of tailored training materials, external monitoring and support to key country-specific projects," PMI said in a note posted on its website. Verité's first report as part of its co-operation with PMI, which was released on Monday, assesses labor conditions on tobacco farms in Kazakhstan and presents Verité's independent findings and recommendations regarding the adherence to PMI's policies and practices related to child labor, forced labor, migrant labor abuse and other labor issues in tobacco growing. "We are pleased with the progress that has been made in Kazakhstan" said Martin King, senior vice president operations, "but as Verité's report shows, many challenges remain. "In Kazakhstan and elsewhere, PMI is committed to work with governments, NGOs, farmers, workers and other stakeholders to progressively eliminate child labor and other labor abuses in tobacco farming. "That's what our co-operation with Verité is about and we are very grateful to be working with such a skilled and experienced partner." For more on this story go to http://tinyurl.com/6xny8qq. Enditem