Worker co-ops urged to participate in federal discussions at Congress

Co-operatives UK and the Worker Co-op Council (WCC) have held early-stage talks around the creation of a new federal for worker co-ops - and what it could look like. The apex body is 'broadly supportive' and is now keen for mass worker co-op engagement at Co-op Congress in Birmingham this month (June).

Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK, said: "Our relationship with the Worker Co-op Council is evolving and we're enthusiastic about anything that will have a positive impact on our members.

"We want to hear from worker co-ops; to listen to their needs and take all viewpoints into account. What needs to happen for a new federal to be more than the sum of our parts? What could dual membership - being a member of both Co-operatives UK and a new federal - look like?

"What are the services that our worker co-op members are keen to retain? What opportunities are there for new, bespoke, worker co-op events from the new federal? And how will this improve the offering for our members? These are the questions only worker co-ops can answer, and we must listen to their responses."

Co-op Congress is being held at Birmingham's Eastside Rooms on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 June, with the dedicated worker co-op sessions taking place on the opening day from 11.40am to 12.40am. Representatives from both Co-operatives UK and the WCC will be in attendance. All worker co-op members of Co-operatives UK have been invited to attend the session for free - and incentivised to stay for the full Friday programme.

Rose Marley said: "Consultations took place at the Worker Co-op Weekend, but we recognise that not all worker co-ops attend the event. Congress ensures there's another way for our members to voice their opinion. That engagement is really important as we look to create a bespoke membership offer that serves needs in a modern and agile way; one which our board can get fully behind."

Engagement at Co-op Congress will go beyond new federal talks according to Cheryl Barrott, Vice-Chair of Co-operatives UK's Board. She said: "It's important to create policy and infrastructure for this movement that's modern and relevant - and also embraces the diversity and uniqueness of co-ops. We're really excited about the future of the Movement and there’s lots to discuss. Effective federal working will be a key element to our collective success.

"Whether we're talking about multi-stakeholder co-ops, or worker co-ops or employee-owned businesses... what's really important is we work together to present all the options in their best possible light. It's about finding co-operative solutions for businesses old and new - ones that work for them. Its people that make co-ops and its people - our members - that'll inform all facets of our business including policies and infrastructure. That's why we're urging our members to attend Co-op Congress - we're all ears!"

Find out about Co-op Congress and book your place here.