Creator1

That’s correct, not only are their vehicles awful and espouse some of the douchiest drivers on the planet, but they also sued to not share profits with workers.

In 1919, the Ford Motor company had an excess of $60,000,000 (equivalent to just over $1 billion today) in profits. This is not corporate propaganda, this was an aim of Ford’s. he felt that it was better to expand the benefit of the industrial system far and wide, rather than accumulate it all. Here is his quote;

‘My ambition is to employ still more men, to spread the benefits of this industrial system to the greatest possible number, to help them build up their lives and their homes. To do this we are putting the greatest share of our profits back in the business.’

While not entirely altruistic, Ford did believe that this was beneficial for the long term success of the company. However, Ford’s minority shareholders were outraged at this plan. Two shareholders specifically, the Dodge brothers (John and Horace) owned about 10% of Ford and sued the company. Their argument was that this decision, while may benefit the company long term, it does not benefit the shareholders. They argued that the executives at Ford needed to place the interest of the shareholder above all others, including the long term prospects of the company.

The case has been a cornerstone of corporate law and is still upheld in Delaware (where a large amount of companies are from). So remember, not only are Dodge Ram owners who go thirty over and drive dangerously, but the Dodge brothers set a precedent for companies to actively work against their employees best interest that’s been upheld for over 100 years.