PR84657

GENEVA, July 7, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

JTI (Japan Tobacco International) has launched a global equal family leave

policy for all its employees, which goes beyond national family leave plans in

80% of the 81 countries the company is located in. The new global strategy

offers a minimum of 20 weeks fully paid leave for respective employees,

regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or whether employees become parents

by giving birth or through adoption or surrogacy.[1] The new plan will be

rolled out on January 1, 2021.

"Our new family leave policy is a great milestone in our diversity and gender

equality journey. We are proud to introduce the new gender-neutral benefit

which supports all families, giving every parent equal opportunity to spend

quality time with their children, without worrying about the impact it could

have on their finances or careers," said Eddy Pirard, President and CEO of JTI.

The new global plan will make a significant difference to employees,

particularly in countries where there is little or no legal requirement on

family leave.

Christiane Bisanzio, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at JTI, said:

"Men can still be stigmatized for taking time out of their careers. We aim to

shift such perceptions in the workplace for both men and women, including their

managers. With our new family leave policy, we embrace all parents as well as

their choices and lifestyles. This is yet another authentic and resounding

commitment by JTI in our progressive diversity and inclusion philosophy."

In order to ensure a smooth implementation process and proper utilization of

the benefits, for a limited number of locations the policy establishes a phased

approach for secondary caregivers, starting with a minimum of four weeks paid leave.

With the new global strategy, JTI supports the wellbeing of its employees by

helping them in the early stages of raising a family while continuing to thrive

at work, ensuring all employees are equally supported to have time with their

families regardless of where they live and work.

JTI is a leading international tobacco and vaping company with operations in

more than 130 countries. It is the global owner of both Winston, the number two

cigarette brand in the world, and Camel, outside the USA and has the largest

share in sales for both brands. Other global brands include Mevius and LD. JTI

is also a major player in the international vaping market with its brand, Logic

and tobacco vapor brand, Ploom. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, JTI

employs over 44,000 people and was awarded Global Top Employer for the sixth

consecutive year. JTI is a member of the Japan Tobacco Group of Companies. For

more information, visit www.jti.com.

1. In line with country legislations and practices, and subject to agreement

with local works councils.

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pressoffice@jti.com

Source: JT International