Each class of members has a commitment to pay dues to the CWCF based upon a formula specific to that class.
Worker Co-op Members
Worker Co-op Members pay dues based upon the wages paid by the worker co-op to its members, employees and/or contractors, limited by both a minimum and maximum amount of dues. This basis for dues was arrived at after much discussion. Because of the diversity of types of worker co-op businesses, basing dues on assets, or profits, or gross revenues was not considered equitable. Because wages and contract income represents a direct financial benefit which the worker co-op’s members receive through their participation in the co-op, this type of income is considered a good common yardstick upon which to assess dues. The rate is 0.0015% of the wages paid. For example, a worker co-op which has $100,000 in wages, pays $150 a year. The dues payable are limited by a minimum of $50 and a maximum of $3,000. In the first two years of membership, the dues level is a flat rate of $50/ year.
The option of solidarity dues (reduced dues) is also available upon request. Please contact Communications and Member Services Manager Kaye Grant at communications[AT]canadianworker[DOT]coop for more information.
Regional Federation (RF) Members
Regional Federation Members pay a flat rate of $500 a year.
Worker Co-op Developers’ Network (WCDN) Members
WCDN dues are paid directly to CoopZone Developers’ Network Co-operative; membership in CoopZone gives a developer automatic membership in the WCDN. The rate for Developers’ Network Members is $200 per year for an individual; for an organization, $200 for the first person, $100 for the 2nd and 3rd persons and $50 per person for any additional person(s).
Associate Members
Associate Members, as supporters of the CWCF, pay a flat rate of $500 a year. RRSP Associate Members, who join in order to have access to the RRSP program, pay $100 per year.
Friends of the CWCF
Sliding Scale Fees (Honour system):
Redistribution Rate $500 – Suggested for those with significant financial stability.
If some of the following applies to you: your salary/income is over $100K; you have inherited or expect to inherit wealth; you do not need to work to meet your basic needs; and/ or you don’t have any debt.
Standard Rate $100.00 – Standard rate unless you fit into a different category.
If some of the following applies to you: you consistently cover your basic needs + some extras; your salary/income is over $75K; you have some debt that you’re able to make regular payments on: you have higher education degree(s); you have family with assets such as a home or retirement fund).
Reduced Rate $50.00 – Low income.
If some of the following applies to you: your salary/income is between $45-60K; you have some debt that you’re able to make regular payments on: you have higher education degree(s); and/or your income supports people other than yourself.
Solidarity Rate $25.00 – Equity-Denied Groups (EDGs): BIPOC and other racialized groups, people with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+, very low income.
If some of the following applies to you: you struggle to consistently meet basic living expenses; you do not have savings; you are unable to make payments on debts; you have not had access to higher education (e.g. university or graduate school) or you may be one of the first in your family to go to college; your income supports people other than yourself.