Observations & Views:
Social justice is an important aspect of society. A glorious example of social justice was set by Aaron Feuerstein, owner of Malden Mills in Lawrence, MA. The mill employs about 1400 men and women. Some years ago, three of the four buildings that housed the fabric mill caught on fire. When Mr. Feuerstein saw that the three buildings were engulfed in flames, he hoped that none of his employees would die. Further, he thought that if the fourth building could be saved, part of his business would be salvaged. He saw that some of his employees had formed a human chain to get all the people out of the burning buildings. They also worked with the firemen to save the remaining building. Then and there he was impressed by the dedication and devotion of his employees.
Earlier in this century, all textile manufacturers had moved their factories from Massachusetts for cheaper labor. Mr. Feuerstein, displaying character and an innate sense of justice, had stayed in Lawrence. When fire destroyed the mill, the employees were apprehensive about losing their jobs. Mr. Feuerstein calmed their fears. He announced that he would rebuild the factory. In the meantime, he said that all employees would receive their full salary during the period the factory was being rebuilt. He also paid for their medical benefits. He said, "It was the right thing to do. It was the ethical thing to do." "Social justice is part of the business we are in. Business is not just devotion to the bottom line," he added.
On being asked about the advice of his financial advisors, Mr. Feuerstein replied, "All my financial advisors advised me that there was big money, hundreds of millions of dollars, coming from the insurance company. They said that I was seventy years old and I should take the money and run." Mr. Feuerstein told his advisors, "What will I do with the money? Will I eat more? Will I be better entertained? Am I going to sell out on my ideals over money? These people who work in our plant have made the company. They are my greatest assets."
Footnotes:
1. Based on an episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show of July 30, 1998. This incident was also reported in the New York Times.