Labor in the Supply Chain

Respect for people is fundamental to the way our companies conduct business. Altria values all employees throughout our family of companies and provides quality jobs, safe workplaces and opportunities for growth and advancement. We encourage our business partners to do the same.

Compliance

Our companies do not condone the unlawful employment of children in the workplace, nor do we condone forced labor. Our companies expect those who do business with us to comply with all laws and regulations ─ including those related to worker safety and the legal status of workers.

Altria’s tobacco companies have adopted policies addressing child and forced labor and they work with their major suppliers to gain assurances that they have procedures to ensure adherence with these expectations.

Domestic Procurement

In the U.S., where our companies operate, farmers need a reliable source of legal workers. We support the enforcement of labor and housing standards as defined by federal and state regulations, and the well-established and comprehensive regulatory regime in the United States, including laws and inspections overseen by the Department of Labor. We do not condone the unlawful employment or exploitation of migrant workers.

Engagement

In the U.S., Philip Morris USA and U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company purchase their tobacco primarily through direct grower contracts. To promote compliance with laws and regulations governing farm labor and responsible business practices, our tobacco companies develop and distribute communications to clearly articulate these positions.

For example, PM USA provides Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) handbooks to all of its contracted growers. These materials include sections on worker safety, and the safe handling, application, storage and disposal of crop protection agents. In addition, through direct relationships with growers, PM USA and USSTC promote responsible farming practices through grower contacts and on-farm visits.

PM USA and USSTC provide funding to land-grant universities in tobacco growing regions to develop state tobacco production guides which also address farm labor and worker safety issues. These materials are made available to growers through state extension services.

International Procurement

With respect to international tobacco procurement, PM USA and John Middleton acquire their tobacco from third-party suppliers who procure leaf from growers abroad. Employees of our companies work with suppliers to increase their understanding of the issues of child labor and forced labor and our companies’ expectation that they comply with applicable laws. We engage with these suppliers on these issues through forums, information sessions and business meetings.

Altria’s tobacco companies are also members of the international, Geneva-based ECLT Foundation. The ECLT brings together businesses, growers and labor representatives for the purpose of ending the inappropriate use of child labor in tobacco growing and providing children with an upbringing that gives them the best chance to succeed in all aspects of life.

Monitoring

Our tobacco companies work with third-party quality assurance suppliers to audit the overseas processing facilities of tobacco suppliers and international factories that produce custom consumer incentive items on behalf of our tobacco companies.

Related Information



On Altria.com

• Green Tobacco Sickness

Philip Morris USA Web Resources:

• Engaging with Our Business Partners
• Tobacco Leaders Program
• Agricultural Practices
• Child & Forced Labor  
• Migrant Labor 
• Reducing Environmental Impact In Malawi

U.S. Smokeless Web Resources:

• Working with Farmers
• Agricultural Practices
• Migrant Labor
• Child and Forced Labor

John Middleton Co. Web Resources:

• Agricultural Practices
• Child & Forced Labor