Worker-Owned Co-ops and Workplace Democracy - NASCO Institute

Session materials from "Worker-Owned Co-ops and Workplace Democracy," presented by David Morgan at NASCO Institute 2015.

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This workshop introduces worker-owned cooperatives through narrative tales, stories of structure, and visions of where the movement is going. Worker co-ops are businesses collectively owned and democratically controlled by their workers. Worker-owned businesses exist in nearly every industry—from engineering to grocery, from graphic design to landscaping, engineering to home-cleaning, bike repair, brew pubs, and restaurants. Workers from diverse backgrounds create stable jobs, and raise the standard of living for working people,promote resilience within communities, and increasingly connect with other movements for social justice. This session will highlight a range of types of worker co-ops and share stories of self-management from a broad range of cooperative businesses. Come glimpse of what it can be like to have a co-op career where you can couple your personal talents with your passion for everyday democracy.