This week, Gregory Patmore writes about an effort to replace lost coal industry jobs with green worker cooperatives in Australia's Latrobe Valley. Patmore highlights the Earthworker Cooperative Network, composed of five worker co-ops, as a sustainable model for the future of the region.
Then, the Worker Co. podcast talks with two members of the Improve Group and consultant Benjamin Tsai about the reasons behind Improve Group's conversion to a worker co-op, and some of the intricacies of the process.
As the Latrobe Valley Moves Away from Coal Jobs, Could a Green Worker Cooperative Offer a Solution?
by Gregory Patmore
The idea for Earthworker came from discussions between unionists and environmentalists over job creation and the environment. Earthworker founders were influenced by the Green Bans. As the project’s website states:
Conflict can occur between environmentalists who want to shut down certain industries, and unionists who want to protect jobs […] we should work together for a “just transition” and create jobs that aren’t just better for the earth, but for workers too.
Ready for a Worker Owned Co-op?
by Minnesota Center for Employee Ownership
Are you a business owner who is retiring or transitioning out? Don’t just close the door—pass the torch. Worker owned cooperatives let you leave behind a thriving business, a sustainable legacy, and empowered employees.Â
Applying Solidarity Economy Principles and Practices
Peoples Hub — Join us to gain a deeper understanding of one of the themes of Solidarity Economy Principles and Practices: Shared Resources and Shared Vision. Participants will learn examples of principles and practices that a variety of groups have used to develop collective vision, power and abundance. Whether you’re in a cooperative, a nonprofit, a community garden, or some other kind of organization, the community-sourced wisdom will support your journey...
REI members reject all three board candidates in election
Co-operative News — Members of US outdoor retail co-op REI have voted to reject board candidates following a worker-led campaign. The election result was announced yesterday at REI’s online annual member’s meeting. The three candidates, made up of two incumbents up for re-election and one new director, had been selected by REI’s existing board, and were running unopposed, meaning members were given the choice to vote either for or against the candidates...
Cooperatives called on to play a leading role in Latin America
Caribbean News Global — Cooperatives are a strategic actor in the international economy and are called on to play an even more leading role in the productive transformation of Latin America and the Caribbean and in the efforts to achieve more inclusive and sustainable development in the region, according to authorities and other representatives present at the inauguration of an event entitled International Year of Cooperatives 2025: Cooperatives build a better future by promoting productivity, inclusion and territorial development, which is taking place this Monday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 13 at the headquarters of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago, Chile...
Presenting The Practice and Promise of Social Coops Report
Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center (YouTube) — The letter suggests that the Commission adopt a new recommendation on business transfers along with coordinated policy actions. Recommendations include undertaking and coordinating a comprehensive data collection effort across member states on all types of business transfers; establishing an EU-wide business transfer barometer; and developing a strategy to prepare entrepreneurs for taking over or handing over a business...
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