Workplaces that are majority democratically owned and governed by paid workers; have been operational for at least one year; have Board approved bylaws / operating agreement; and meet the criteria set forth in the USFWC’s Worker Cooperative Definition.
Criteria to join as ‘Worker Cooperative’ member:
- The enterprise is operational, generating revenue, and providing paid work for at least two workers
for a minimum of one year. - Worker-members are the legal owners of the enterprise, each owning one member share that
reflects initial capital contribution of equal value - Decision-making is done utilizing ‘one member, one vote’ principle.
- Worker-owners are the only member class, OR the worker-owner member class maintains a
controlling interest in the enterprise. - More than 50% of workers are worker-members or on track for membership consideration.
- The enterprise is formed as a legal entity (e.g. corporation, LLC) with Board approved bylaws /
operating agreement - The enterprise has a documented path to membership available to all workers with defined
membership eligibility criteria, member capital contribution, and patronage formula. - The enterprise adheres to the 7 Cooperative Principles
Votes: weigh 3; unlimited eligibility to run for board.Dues: Total annual wages from previous fiscal year x 0.1% ($200 minimum)
- Workplaces that are democratically managed and/or governed, but do not meet the full definition of a worker cooperative. Includes democratically managed non-profits, multi-stakeholder cooperatives with worker member class, and democratically-run 100% ESOPS.
Criteria to join as ‘Democratic Workplace’ member:
- The enterprise is operational, generating revenue, and providing paid work for at least two workers
for a minimum of one year. - The enterprise is formed as a legal entity (e.g. corporation, LLC) with Board approved bylaws /
operating agreement - Governance-level decision-making is done utilizing some form of democracy
- Day-to-day operations are democratically managed by the workers
- Worker-owners are a member class, though not necessarily the controlling class (e.g. consumer
cooperatives with democratic staffing) - The enterprise has a documented path to membership available to all workers with defined
membership eligibility criteria
Votes: weigh 2; board representation limited to 1/3 of seats
Dues: Total annual wages from previous fiscal year x 0.1% ($200 minimum)
Established traditional businesses that are in the process of transitioning into a worker cooperative
All Conversion members can submit a request for member reclassification during a review period held annually in the spring. Members can join the Federation as a Conversion member and maintain this member class for three years before being required to renew as either a voting member or an Associate member.
Criteria to join as a ‘Conversion’ member:
- The enterprise is been operating and/or incorporated for more than one year
- The enterprise (or enterprise-to-be) has established a steering committee or initial membership group, drafted a preliminary business plan, and preliminary bylaws
- The enterprise has governance documentations to complete (i.e.: bylaws, operating agreement, new member criteria and path to join, peer accountability and grievance process, patronage formula)
Votes: none
Dues (ongoing): $250 flat fee per year
Organizations that develop worker cooperatives as part or all of their activities.
Cooperative Developers that are organized as worker cooperatives or democratic workplaces may choose which member class to join.
Criteria to join as a ‘Cooperative Developer’ member:
- The enterprise is operational, generating revenue, and providing paid work for at least one staff for a minimum of one year.
- The enterprise is formed as a legal entity with Board approved bylaws / operating agreement
- The enterprise is responsible for supporting the development and successful launch of at least 1 operational worker cooperative within the last 5 years
Votes: weigh 1, total cannot exceed 25% of all votesDues: $250 – $1,000, sliding scale (0.1% of organization’s budget allocated toward worker coop development)
Organizations and businesses that support, in theory and practice, the worker cooperative model and the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives.
If your organization or enterprise does not meet the criteria for other USFWC member classes, you are encouraged and welcome to join the USFWC as an Associate member.
Votes: 1 vote
Dues: $100 – $1,000, sliding scale (0.1% of budget allocated toward economic, co-op, and/or community development)
Membership dues are based on the financial standing of the business with a minimum payment starting at $250 per year. In the spirit of accessibility, we are pleased to offer a Solidarity Pass for Black & Brown-led worker cooperatives that may find it difficult to pay dues but want to engage as an active member. Please reach Membership Director emmanuel@nycworker.coop with any questions.