Blog - Canadian Worker Co-op Federation

Principle Three and the Co-operative Values —Kenzie Love

July 20, 2021

The third co-operative principle is Member Economic Participation. It states, “Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for … Principle Three and the Co-operative Values —Kenzie Love

Unionized Worker Co-ops Offer a Strong Alternative to Capitalism

June 23, 2021

By Kenzie Love As responses that arose in the 19th century to the excesses of industrial capitalism, unions and worker co-ops have much in common, with both seeking to improve the lives of working people and increase democracy in the workplace. Accordingly, there have been many instances of co-operation between the two in recent years, … Unionized Worker Co-ops Offer a Strong Alternative to Capitalism

Concern for Community Last But Far From Least Among Co-op Principles —By Kenzie Love

May 20, 2021

Adopted in 1995, the seventh co-op principle, concern for community, may be the most recent addition to the list, but in some ways it is the foundation on which the other six principles are built. England’s Rochdale Pioneers, originators of the modern principles, may not have explicitly included concern for community in their list, but … Concern for Community Last But Far From Least Among Co-op Principles —By Kenzie Love

Worker Co-ops Can Play a Central Role in the Green New Deal

April 26, 2021

By Kenzie Love What is the Green New Deal? The Green New Deal is a comprehensive, multifaceted approach that seeks to address not just the climate crisis but the related injustices that spawned it. Originating in the US and the UK, the idea has spread around the world, and although the particulars of the … Worker Co-ops Can Play a Central Role in the Green New Deal

Should Co-ops Adopt an Eighth Principle – on DEI?

March 21, 2021

By Kenzie Love In 1844, the Rochdale Pioneers founded what would become the basis of the modern co-op movement in a small town in the north of England. In the almost 180 years since, the movement has spread and diversified, but remains united by the seven principles, adapted from those which the pioneers developed. That … Should Co-ops Adopt an Eighth Principle – on DEI?

Worker Co-ops Offer Advice on Surviving Common Struggles

February 19, 2021

By Kenzie Love CWCF introduced our member profile series in 2019 with the goal of highlighting our members’ successes and challenges. The members profiled so far have shown the full spectrum of diversity on display in Canada’s worker co-op sector, and this wide variety of co-ops is something worth celebrating. But despite their differences, worker … Worker Co-ops Offer Advice on Surviving Common Struggles

No Easy Answers to Problem of Precarious Employment

January 18, 2021

By Kenzie Love Although there’s no single accepted definition of “precarious employment”, it is perhaps most most commonly and succinctly defined as offering workers many of the responsibilities that come with being an employee with few or none of the benefits. That precarious employment has been on the upswing in recent years is well documented, … No Easy Answers to Problem of Precarious Employment

Covid-19 Pandemic Offers Chance for a Brighter Future —Kenzie Love

December 18, 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic has obviously made 2020 a challenging year on many fronts. But amidst the ongoing crisis, there is also a sense of opportunity, and the realization that the pandemic may have given us a rare chance to create a brighter future. While recognizing the enormous toll Covid has taken, now can also be … Covid-19 Pandemic Offers Chance for a Brighter Future —Kenzie Love

Practical Steps Towards Dismantling Racism —Kenzie Love

November 20, 2020

In contrast to its American counterpart, which has seen considerable growth among BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of colour) communities in recent years, Canada’s worker co-op sector remains largely White, with little evidence that this is changing. Diversity and inclusion have been identified as priorities, but as Dr. Jessica Gordon-Nembhard argued in her recent presentation … Practical Steps Towards Dismantling Racism —Kenzie Love

Worker Co-ops May Have Advantages in Dealing With Pandemic’s Psychological Impact

October 21, 2020

By Kenzie Love Even for those whose health and employment may not have been directly affected by the coronavirus, the pandemic has taken a heavy psychological toll, one that inevitably risks spilling over into their work life. The impact isn’t invariably negative: a report by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) found that emergencies … Worker Co-ops May Have Advantages in Dealing With Pandemic’s Psychological Impact