Henry Ford started his product line. Its a very different mentality to be the owner of a company as opposed to being a CEO of a publicly traded company.
Share holders expectations and return is now a big factor in a CEOs job. Especially when the majority of the CEO's compensation doesn't come from salaries as much as stock options.
Does a CEO care if his employes can purchase the product? Not really. If the market thinks that increased revenue from lowering labor expense increases stock value.... Thats what they will do.