We frequently hear stories of companies that fail to pay employees a living wage, fight employees’ attempts to form unions, violate health and safety laws—all in the name of higher profits.  But is this the only path for companies to take on the road to profitability and success?  The experience of four profitable companies that choose the ‘high road’ as employers—paying good wages, recognizing employees’ right to form a union, and developing a high-skilled workforce—suggests otherwise. 

We have profiled four companies—leaders in their respective industries—that raise standards for all employers to follow: Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Cingular Wireless LLC, Ford Motor Co., and Kaiser Permanente.