Deborah Orr (31 March) says her worker co-op failed because the members argued. The ingredients for a successful co-op are easy to identify, but take years to learn – respect and solidarity, demystifying management, and vigilance about private agendas, financial or otherwise. None of these are taught in a systematic way in business schools, yet we have many examples of innovative and successful worker co-ops, including Dulas (technology), Essential and Suma (food distribution), Calverts (communications), Unicorn (retail) and Cycle Training UK. Young people started a wave of co-ops in the 70s and 80s, some of which were able to embed a culture of equity and equality. They survived through two arid decades and are ready to share what they've learned about the benefits of co-operation with another generation of angry and exploited young people.
Siôn Whellens
Worker Co-operative Council
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