Co-operate or suffer the consequences ...

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​I’ve only recently begun to learn and understand the role co-operative business models play as an alternative to the current economic model that excludes decision making, ownership and direction of companies from their staff and members. The co-operative focus is on members economic, social and cultural needs, one member one vote as opposed to the wider global economic model of shareholders financial gain at any cost.

I recently realised that I have been a member of the university co-op bookshop for more than 30 years, not an active one and hence unaware of any voting powers, if any? But I have always understood the member benefits of accessing reasonably priced books and the service and accommodating nature of this member owned bookstore. Co-operatives aren’t mainstream in Australia compared to Europe where in Norway 40 per cent homes purchased are under the co-operative housing model.
What attracts me to co-operatives is the sustainable economic model that allows communities to become members and owners of enterprises, giving them a sense of ownership, control and say in the management of their business co-operative. But also, as members live in communities they operate in, they are less likely to put profits/surpluses before their communities social and environmental needs.
The next generation of Gen ‘Z’ workers are entering a highly casualised workforce that puts profit margins above all else. There isn’t the job security that existed a generation ago. We must create opportunities for this generation to have the necessary autonomy that meets their environmental and social needs.

​We must provide pathways to allow the co-operate model to develop and become more mainstream like Europe as a transitional pathway to local community first before global corporate profit interests. Our next generation deserve an opportunity in developing businesses that meet their community, economic and social needs - otherwise we risk a disconnected, alienated generation not resilient to potential major environmental and social change …

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