Global cigarette and tobacco manufacturer Philip Morris International (PMI) has been accredited by non-profit organisation Equal Salary Foundation for awarding equal pay to its employees.
The certification verifies that PMI pays all employees, based across more than 90 countries, the same for equal work, regardless of gender.
The methodology for certification includes a statistical analysis of all staff salaries, as well as on-site audits of PMI country affiliates by third-party auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC). The process also involved interviewing management to confirm gender pay equality commitments, conducting employee focus groups to understand their perception of equal pay, and reviewing HR policies and practices to identify bias and recommend corrective action if required. The certification process took 18 months.
The equal pay certification forms part of PMI’s approach to diversity and inclusion; this is central to its overall business strategy, which aims to transform PMI from a traditional cigarette manufacturer to science and technology focused organisation, producing smoke-free products.
The certification further confirms PMI’s commitment to equality and to creating an inclusive, gender-balanced workplace.
Andre Calantzopoulos, chief executive officer at PMI, said: “The global Equal Salary certification demonstrates the great amount of work our [employees] across the world have accomplished in confirming equal pay for equal work throughout PMI worldwide.
“We need to use this moment to celebrate and continue building an inclusive, gender-balanced organisation as we deliver upon our transformation and a smoke-free future.”
PMI gained certification on Monday 4 March 2019, aligning with its Week of Women event, which finishes today on International Women’s Day (Friday 8 March). During the week of activities, PMI employees were able to participate in an employer-funded Fair Share communications conference, helping male employees become 'gender bilingual' and break down barriers between colleagues.
The Week of Women also included case studies from women across the globe, to elevate female role models at the organisation. The organisation also provided networking opportunities for both male and female staff to discuss and celebrate the benefits of inclusion and diversity.
Veronique Goy Veenhuys, founder and chief executive officer at the Equal Salary Foundation, added: “By its global character, the certification of Philip Morris International is a major step for pay equality between women and men. That a leading Fortune 500 [organisation] makes such a commitment is a strong signal. We are proud of the international scale that PMI’s global certification gives to our cause.”
