A COMPANY THAT KNOWS HOW TO TREAT THEIR EMPLOYEES

The Golden Rule says in Matthew 7:12, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do for you…” I believe this verse not only can be applied to ourselves, but also to how companies should treat their employees. The following is a prime example.

Three years ago, my son Mike went to work for Lodge Cast Iron, which operates two foundries in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Lodge is a company that has made heirloom-quality cookware and accessories since 1896. Mike went to work from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m., four days a week, and on Fridays, he worked 12 hours and received overtime pay.

I remember conversations I had with Mike about Lodge, regarding the company’s great benefits, and how employees were given opportunities to excel. Even though my 50-year-old son worked long hours, the company gave him extra days off for accumulated time and two weeks’ vacation.

As part of working for Lodge, Mike was given a 25,000 life policy. He was also encouraged by the Lodge Staff to take out additional life insurance, at a nominal price, which Mike did.

On August 6, 2024, Mike suddenly passed away at 5l years of age, leaving behind his ten-year-old son, Maxx. The $25,000 Lodge policy will provide for Maxx in the years ahead, and the second policy for $ 50,000 has allowed Maxx to stay at the only home he has ever known.

Lodge also sent a huge flower display for Mike’s Celebration Service and they were so helpful to our family after his homegoing.

Three months ago, on my way to see Maxx and my x, Sylvia at Bridgeport, I stopped by Lodge and thanked their employee representative. She told me Mike was one of their hardest workers, and they miss him. She told me she had worked for Lodge for 21 years and it was an honor, because they knew how to treat their employees.

Special thanks to Lodge Cast Iron, now in its 125th year of experience, for being an example of a company that demonstrates the Golden Rule, to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” **[Pictures of Lodge Foundry and Museum]

Front Lodge Foundry

Lodge Museum