Collection of Tobacco in Moldova, Europe

Moldova, one of the former Soviet republics and Europe's poorest country, has so far resisted pressure to privatise its tobacco industry. These women work 10 hours a day, 6 days a week, and got paid 1000 lei a month (about $100 a month). (10 hours a day)(6 days a week)(4 weeks a month) = 240 hours/month $100 a month/ 240 hours per month = about $0.42 per hour. Middle aged women that looked much older than their numerical age iat in dirt with tobacco leaves surrounding them. In their left hand they hold what looked look a knitting needle with a heavy string attached. With their right hand they pick up a tobacco leaf and pierce it with the large needle. This mind-numbing action is repeated until the string is covered with tobacco leaves the width of the hut – one strand down and a few more months’ worth of string to go.