Co-operatives, democratic self-management & reclaimed companies under workers' control
Co-operatives:
Co-operatives are companies that are owned and democratically controlled by their members. Each member has one vote, regardless of the level of capital ownership, which ensures fair and equal decision-making. Co-operatives can be found in many sectors, including agriculture, retail, housing and finance. They aim to fulfil members' economic and social needs while promoting a sustainable and solidarity-based economy.
Practical examples:
One example of a special food co-operative is Supercoop eG in Berlin, which is run by its members. All members work regularly in the shop and make decisions about the business together. The model promotes a sense of community and active participation by all members.
One of the largest co-operatives in the world, based in the Basque Country in Spain, is the Mondragon Corporation. Mondragon comprises numerous companies operating in various sectors, including industry, retail, finance and education. The co-operative is known for its innovative structure based on democratic co-determination and collective ownership.
Democratic self-management:
Democratic self-management describes organisational structures in which employees make key decisions jointly and on an equal footing. This can take the form of collective assemblies, councils or other co-determination bodies. The aim is to reduce hierarchies and increase employee participation in company management.
Practical examples:
Bioverlag is an example of a company that is committed to democratic self-administration. The employees make joint decisions on company policy and strategies, allowing them to directly influence their working conditions and the development of the company. Through a legal construct of foundations, the employees also have a financial stake in the publishing house, which strengthens the foundation for joint decisions.
Reclaimed companies under workers' control:
Reclaimed companies under workers' control are companies that have been taken over by their workers, often after financial difficulties or closures by the owners. These enterprises are collectively managed and operated by the workers, which allows for direct control over production processes and company decisions. This model has successfully demonstrated in various countries that workers are able to run businesses effectively and profitably.
Practical examples:
One prominent example is the GKN Collective, a car factory in Italy that was taken over by its employees after the original owners announced its closure. The workers organised themselves, campaigned for the takeover and have been running the factory collectively ever since. They have developed new production strategies and successfully continued to run the company.
You can also find a helpful list of collective enterprises by sector on the website Berliner Kollektivbetriebe-Vernetzung..
