On Monday, the multinational firm behind cigarette brands like Winston, Camel and Benson & Hedges confirmed restructuring plans and job cuts, which had been earlier reported in the GHI local newspaper.
External Content
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Almost finished… We need to confirm your email address. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you.
Some of the 268 posts cut in Geneva may be relocated to east Asia and eastern Europe, JTI said. The company informed staff of its plans on Monday, it told Le Temps newspaper. Worldwide cuts are expected to affect 3,720 employees or 6% of the workforce. JTI will concentrate its resources on three sites: Warsaw, St Petersburg and Manila.
The move comes after 18 months of analysis of the company’s operation in a bid to improve competitiveness. JTI currently employs over 1,100 staff in Geneva and it is expected that 900 employees will remain after the slimming down.
The company, which employs 45,000 people worldwide and has been based in Geneva since 2015, reiterated its commitment to remain headquartered in Geneva. Its distinctive sloping glass building, which was built to regroup local staff, is located in the international district close to the UN headquarters and World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Declining sales, especially in Japan, have hurt the company’s bottom line in recent years. A restrictive smoking ban in Tokyo at the Olympic Games venues in 2020 is unlikely to help matters. The potential merger of rival Philip Morris with another tobacco giant Altria could also put further pressure on the industry.
More
More
Switzerland: the land of the tobacco industry
This content was published on
Though Switzerland has not yet ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Geneva is hosting an important meeting on the treaty.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss lab finds toxic substances in Philip Morris e-cigarette
This content was published on
Highly toxic substances escape from the filters of IQOS electronic cigarettes produced by the Swiss-based tobacco manufacturer Philip Morris.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.