End of year review 2016: Worker co-operatives

May: TTIP trade deal ‘supports’ worker co-operatives

A leaked document from the EU/US transatlantic trade negotiations singled out worker co-operatives as a way to strengthen both employment and the economy. The document, released by Greenpeace Netherlands, contains a portion of the draft text that was discussed at the 13th round of TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) talks
in New York.

May: Weekend of inspiration for worker co-ops

This year’s event included sessions on the history of co-operatives (and worker co-operatives), and stories and lessons from co-ops around the world. Workshops covered worker co-operative practicalities, such as dealing with conflict and HR issues, as well as sessions on politics and the commons.

July: France launches first worker Scop group

France saw the launch of its first Scop grouping of worker co-ops – a model created under legislation on the social and solidarity economy in July 2014 to improve competitiveness. TPC and Sefard Scops came together to form Calice, which was officially launched as a société coopérative et participative on 31 May.