Worker co-ops: combatting bad pay, insecurity and exploitation in care, cleaning and agency work

Worker co-operatives are values-driven companies, owned and managed by the people that work in them.

In sectors such as cleaning, care, hospitality and agency work, many experience bad pay, exploitation, discrimination and in-work poverty. Working class women and women from migrant & refugee backgrounds are often disproportionately represented. 

There's a real opportunity for worker co-operatives to challenge this norm and transform the experiences of thousands of workers through the creation of more democratic, fair and supportive workplaces in sectors of the economy traditionally associated with low-pay, poverty and exploitation.

This event looks at how worker co-operatives as businesses are designed to empower and support workers so they have control over their work, pay and conditions, driving greater worker well-being and client satisfaction, and keeping company profits within the local community.

At this event you'll hear from The Great Care Co-op, Belfast Cleaning Society, SouthSide AllClean and Leading Lives, thriving worker co-operatives in the care and cleaning sectors about:

• who their workers are and why they set up as worker co-operatives
• the difference between working for an agency or traditional private company and being in a worker co-operative
• what worker co-operatives are and how they can generate better jobs in sectors where employees frequently experience in-work poverty and exploitation
• how worker co-operatives can transform the working lives of those working in these sectors, who are often disproportionately female and from working class and/or migrant and refugee backgrounds

There will be plenty of time to ask questions.

We'll also be exploring the potential for worker co-operatives in Glasgow in these areas of our local economy.

One of the co-operative principles is to support each other and others setting up co-operatives. Any group bringing their idea for a new company, which could be set up as a co-operative based on equality and democratic values, will have an opportunity to spend time with other worker co-operatives, ask questions, get feedback, work through any problems or barriers; and start to develop ideas for the next steps in their journey. 

This event is for you if you are:

• in a worker co-operative in care, cleaning, hospitality or another sector traditionally associated with low-pay, and you're willing to share your experience with others
• currently working in cleaning, care or hospitality and feel disempowered in your job
• part of a group of workmates or friends who believe you could provide a better service than your current employer
• currently unemployed and would like to be an active member of a group delivering better services
• female, from a migrant worker or refugee background, non-binary or trans, and would like to work in a supportive workplace
• any organisation that supports people transitioning into work in areas traditionally associated with low-pay, poverty or exploitation.

Refreshments and light vegetarian/vegan catering are included in your booking.

Ticket options

Please select from the following ticket options. Tickets are on a first-come-first served basis with limited numbers for each ticket category. To ensure your place, please book as soon as possible to avoid disapointment. If you book but then are unable to make it, please let us know to free up your place to someone else.

For those with Autumn Assembly tickets this event is included for free but you will need to register on this page to book your place.

Individual

• Individuals working in care, cleaning, hospitality or other sectors of low-paid work -  £0.00 (free)
• Individuals on benefits interested in worker co-operatives - £0.00 (free)

Worker co-op

• Worker co-ops (not attending the Autumn Assembly) - £25.00
• Autumn Assembly ticket holders - £0.00 (free)

Organisations

• Public sector, NGOs, charities - £65

Please also select this option if the other categories do not apply to you.

Accessibility and childcare

Information available here.