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Worker Co-operatives: An Introduction
Schnack, Kris; Jackson, Ted
Publisher: Communityworks Inc., Ottawa, CanadaYear Published: 1986 Pages: 46pp Dewey: 334.0971 Resource Type: Pamphlet Cx Number: CX3184 Schnack and Jackson introduce worker co-operatives to a broad constituency of the unemployed, underemployed, precarious workers, community organizations, women's groups, and church members. This is a practical guide that avoids the larger policy and philosophical debates about worker co-operatives. Abstract: Community Works Inc., which supports community enterprises has published this booklet by Ottawa consultants Kris Schnack and Ted Johnson. It includes extensive references and suggestions. This organization no longer exists. The above abstract was published in the Connexions Digest in 1986. The abstract below was published The purpose of this publication is to provide "a brief common-sense introduction to worker co-operatives." It concerns itself with the practicalities of starting a worker co-operative, rather than with issues of policy and philosophy. An Intoduction chapter explains what a worker co-operative is. The booklet then looks at how to start one, at legal structures and incorporation, at the organization and management of a working co-operative, and at sources of financial asistance. Appendices list case studies of worker co-operatives, sources of government and non-government assistance, and useful readings. It explains that the business is characterized by four key elements: - Ownership and control rest with those working in the enterprise' - Membership is open to the entire workforce; - There is no outside controlling interests; - Control is by the membership on the democratic principle of one vote per person. It also cautions that there are pitfalls; that it is not possible to set up a successful worker co-operative without looking thoroughly at questions such as what to produce and what the market for the product is. "The ability to produce the product is simply not enough. The skills of marketing, finance and business management are just as important. - Table of Contents Preface Acknowledgements 1. What is a Worker Co-operative? 2. Starting a Worker Co-operative 3. Legal Structures and Incorporation 4. Organization and Management of a Worker Co-operative 5. Sources of Financial Assistance 6. Next Steps: Taking Action Appendix A: Case Studies of Worker Co-operative Appendix B: Sources of Government Assistance Appendix C: Sources of Non-Governmental Assistance Appendix D: Useful Readings The Authors Subject Headings |