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The Worker Co-operative Movements in Italy, Mondragon and France: Context, Success Factors and Lessons
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to analyze the public policy environment, capitalization environment, availability of federation support, and the context for the worker co-op movements in each of Italy, Mondragon (Spain) and France. These three countries or regions have the largest, most dynamic worker co-op movements in the world. To grow a large worker co-op movement, a system of supports is required to enable the transfer of appropriate knowledge to many people, in addition to having access to worker coop-friendly sources of capital. Although there were some success factors in each region which could not be easily replicated in other places and although there were significant differences among regions, there were many common elements contributing to the success of the worker co-op movement in all three places. These were: (1) sufficient capital accessible to worker co-ops; (2) technical assistance provided to worker co-ops in the start-up phase; (3) a mandatory indivisible reserve, at least for those “mostly mutual” worker co-ops which were able to receive government support; (4) significant federation and consortia structures which support, guide, direct, and help educate the worker co-operatives; (5) significant concentrations by industry; (6) a strong sense of solidarity and inter-cooperation; and (7) scale: having achieved a size and strength to enable the worker co-op movements to be taken seriously by governments, the broader co-operative sector, etc.
The Worker Co-op Sector in Canada: Success Factors, and Planning for Growth
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to provide an analysis of the current state of the worker co-op movement in Canada with a focus on successful worker co-ops. A deepened review of a 2008 survey was conducted. Worker co-operatives which have failed were analyzed, and a full-day workshop with the CWCF Board of Directors was conducted to assess the factors that would lead to faster growth in the sector. The research project also involved surveying 13 worker co-operatives across Canada to identify common factors of success. The survey results indicated that a large majority of founding members in these successful worker co-operatives did not have business experience. Overriding this was the willingness of members to work together and to continuously learn on the job in a working environment that allows them to express their values and social concerns. Through this, successful worker co-operatives were able to carve a niche in their business sector by providing high quality goods and services. Other factors critical to success were access to capital and creative financing, including members’ significant commitment to sweat equity, and available technical and industry resources to assist with the challenges of business and co-operative organizational development. By better understanding the success factors for individual worker co-operatives, the goal of CWCF is to pave the way for more growth and more success for worker co-operatives across Canada.
The Rationale for Worker Co-operatives
Worker co-ops :
- Create Decent-Paying Jobs
- Create Productive Jobs
- Save Jobs
- To find out more, please read the full document, attached below.
The Rationale for Worker Co-operatives
Worker co-ops :
- Create Decent-Paying Jobs
- Create Productive Jobs
- Save Jobs
- To find out more, please read the full document, at the link shown below.
Model Worker Co-op Bylaws
These model worker co-op by-laws, with annotations, were written for the Nova Scotia Co-operative Associations Act, but can be adapted readily to other jurisdictions.
Tip Sheet: Valuing a Business
Tips included:
A. Initial qualitative assessment
B. Second in-depth assessment
C. Information That Should Be Provided by the Seller
D. Assessing Whether the Business Can Be Transferred to a Co-operative
The Greenhouse Co-operative Ltd. - Business Succession in Rural Communities Case Study
The Greenhouse Co-op is a worker-owned co-operative operating as a seasonal bedding plant and garden centre in St Peter’s, Nova Scotia.Three founding members established the Co-op in 1987. One founding member was the original owner of the business and another was an employee.
Yellowknife Glass Recyclers Co-operative - Business Succession in Rural Communities Case Study
Yellowknife Glass Recyclers converted to an employee owned co-op in July 2006 to take advantage of growing popularity of high-quality recycled glassware and the opening of a glass distribution retail store.
Succession Planning Using the Worker Co-op Option
A business owner is retiring from a small or medium sized business. He or she has explored the options for succession and has decided to sell the business to his/her employees and managers. They have made a commitment to own and manage the business as a worker co-op. This report, by CWCF, documents the information, knowledge and strategies involved in reaching such a decision, for the owner and for the workers.
Work Together #2 - CICOPA Newsletter
Winnipeg Worker Co-op Videos - Natural Cycle
Being a bike courier in Canada's coldest city is no small feat. But doing it worker co-op style brings it's own unique rewards. This is the first of 7 videos on Winnipeg Worker Co-ops.
Worker Co-operatives and Employment Law
This paper examines the relationship between worker co-operatives and employment law in Canada. It considers the definition of an employee, the rights of members, the rights of employers, the method of proper termination and the role of labour unions. It provides recommendations for worker co-operatives to consider as they navigate the legislation in order to create a strong co-operative and a workplace beneficial to its membership. As a disclaimer, this paper should not be considered to provide any sort of legal advice.
Work Together - international newsletter April 2009
We are happy to send you the first issue of “Work Together”, the new global information bulletin for cooperatives and worker-owned enterprises in industry, services and crafts. It is available in three versions: English, Spanish and French. Please disseminate it as widely as possible within your network, and give us the e-mail addresses of the persons to whom you wish us to send the next issue.
UN Economic and Social Council Report - Co-op's Featured
In 2007, the UN's Economic and Social Council published a report entitled "Promoting full employment and decent work for all." This report observes the impact on micro-financing, entrepreneurship and worker co-ops.
Immigrant Worker Co-op Strategies
Immigrant Worker Co-op Strategies paper drafted by Hazel Corcoran of the Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation.
Code of Worker Co-op Governance, CooperativesUK
The attached pdf, by CooperativesUK, is a booklet which seeks to practically implement the ICA World Declaration on Worker Ownership. The link is a longer version of the same containing other resources as well. "The booklet is intentionally short. It focuses on the core features of a well-governed worker co-operative rather than providing details about the policies and procedures required. Instead, these details are available on the online version of the Worker Co-operative Code of Governance, which we have developed to complement to this booklet. Here you’ll find an interactive version of the Code, with links through to examples of policies, procedures and strategies that successful worker co-operatives use, as well as containing other useful hints, tips and ideas."
Worker Co-ops
This site serves as an introduction to worker co-ops and provides direction for those who wish to know more. Though I have tried to include information from around the world, the majority of the information focuses on North America. This is due to both my own language restrictions and the near impossibility of summing up a massive world movement. In the following pages you will find basic information, suggested books and articles, and useful links.
Equal Exchange Worker Rights and Responsibilities
Equal Exchange Worker Rights and Responsibilities
Woodshanti Membership Initiation and Definition
Woodshanti Membership Initiation and Definition
Equal Exchange Mission Statement and Guiding Principles
Equal Exchange Mission Statement and Guiding Principles
CoopZone Tele-Learning Series II: Call IV - Converting Conventional Businesses to Co-operatives
Converting Conventional Businesses to Co-operatives
See also: http://www.coopzone.coop/lfi
Excerpt:
PRESENTATION ONE: QUINTIN FOX:
