Own Your Workplace. Share the Profits.
Unionize your workplace, then buy it out. Worker co-ops share profits equally, elect managers democratically, and never lay off for shareholder returns. Build real power at work.
Worker-owners in Canadian co-ops
Higher wages in unionized vs. non-union jobs
Average profit share per worker in Mondragon co-ops
Two Tracks to Worker Power
Track 1: Unionize
Build collective bargaining power. Unions raise wages 20%, secure benefits, and protect against arbitrary firing. Critical first step before ownership.
- Contact existing union (UFCW, SEIU, Unifor)
- 50%+1 of workers sign union cards
- File for certification with Labour Board
- Negotiate first contract (6-12 months)
Track 2: Worker Buyout
Convert to worker co-op. Employees own shares, elect board, share profits. When owner retires or sells, organize buyout with CWCF loans.
- Build worker organizing committee
- Hire co-op developer (CWCF, worker co-op federation)
- Secure financing (CWCF loans, worker shares)
- Incorporate as worker co-op (one member, one vote)
How to Unionize Your Workplace in 90 Days
Weeks 1-2: Build Core Committee
Recruit 3-5 trusted coworkers. Meet off-site. Identify workplace issues (wages, safety, favoritism). Keep organizing confidential from management.
Tip: Choose organizers from different shifts/departments for maximum reach.
Weeks 3-4: Contact Union & Map Workplace
Reach out to established unions (UFCW for retail/food, SEIU for service, Unifor for auto/manufacturing). Map coworkers: supporters, undecided, management allies.
Unions provide: Legal support, organizer training, strike funds.
Weeks 5-8: Collect Union Cards
One-on-one conversations with coworkers. Get 50%+1 to sign union cards. Goal: 70% support to weather management pressure. Use inoculation: address anti-union talking points preemptively.
Common concerns: “Will we strike?” (Only if majority votes yes), “Dues too high?” (Avg $50/mo, but wages rise 20%).
Weeks 9-12: File Certification & Negotiate
Submit cards to provincial Labour Board. Expect management anti-union campaign (legal consultants, captive-audience meetings). Stay strong. After certification, negotiate first contract with union bargaining team.
Why Convert to a Worker Co-op?
Traditional Corporation
- ✗Profits go to shareholders (often billionaires)
- ✗No vote in company decisions
- ✗Layoffs to boost stock price
- ✗CEO makes 300x average worker
Worker Co-op
- Profits shared equally among workers
- One member, one vote (elect board)
- No layoffs unless voted by members
- Managers paid 3-4x average worker (Mondragon rule)
“We unionized our warehouse in 2019, then bought the company when the owner retired in 2022. Now I make $68K + $12K profit share. We elect our managers. No one gets laid off to pad shareholder dividends.”
— James L., Hamilton
Worker-owner at Hamilton Logistics Co-op
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer fire me for organizing a union?
No. It's illegal under federal and provincial labour codes. If fired, file unfair labour practice complaint with Labour Board. Union will provide legal support and you'll likely be reinstated with back pay.
How much do union dues cost?
Average $40-60/month (about 1.5% of wages). But unionized workers earn 20% more on average, so you gain $400-600/month in wages—a 10x return on dues.
Do I need to buy shares to join a worker co-op?
Yes, but it's affordable. Most co-ops require $500-$5,000 membership share, often deducted from paychecks over 1-2 years. You get dividends + your share back if you leave.
How do we afford to buy out the owner?
Canadian Worker Co-op Federation (CWCF) provides loans at low interest. Typical structure: 30% worker shares, 40% CWCF loan, 30% seller financing (owner gets paid over 5-10 years from co-op profits).
What if the owner won't sell?
Start a competing worker co-op. Use your skills + union solidarity to attract customers. Example: Evergreen Cooperatives in Cleveland launched worker-owned laundry competing with corporate services.
Are worker co-ops profitable?
Yes. Mondragon (Spain) has 80,000 worker-owners, $12B revenue. In Canada, worker co-ops have 90% 5-year survival rate vs. 50% for traditional startups. Higher retention, productivity, and worker commitment.
Ready to Own Your Workplace?
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