Co-Op Basics

Philadelphia shoemakers convicted of 'criminal conspiracy' for organizing—setting a 36-year precedent against worker unions.

Massachusetts court rules labor unions are legal, affirming the right to organize and strike—reversing decades of persecution.

28 workers in England pool resources to open a cooperative store, creating the principles still used by co-ops worldwide.

First major US labor federation founded, establishing 200+ worker cooperatives as an alternative to wage labor.

Spanish workers create what becomes the world's largest co-op federation, now employing 70,000+ worker-owners.

Cooperative Home Care Associates starts with 12 workers in the Bronx—now 2,000+ and the largest US worker co-op.

US Federation of Worker Cooperatives unites regional movements into a national voice for worker ownership.

Main Street Employee Ownership Act signed, making worker co-ops eligible for SBA loans for the first time.

A new platform emerges to crowdfund and support the next generation of worker-owned businesses.