WHAT IS THE UNION COOPERATIVE INITIATIVE?

The Union Cooperative Initiative (UCI) is building an economy that works for all – by supporting the development, incubation, and operation of unionized cooperatives. Our network of union co-ops provide community sustaining jobs that are good for people and the planet.

Building an economy that works for people and the planet

The UCI is building a solidarity economy starting right here in British Columbia. We support workers in developing community-focused union cooperative enterprises and non-profits. The BUILD CO-OPS program provides planning, start-up resources, expert support, and development services to move a project from idea to action.

AN ECONOMY THAT WORKS FOR ALL

There is a rich history of union cooperative organizing in BC and a growing movement across the world. The UCI helps workers and their unions transition to or build a community-focused and accountable cooperative enterprise or non-profit.

 

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VALU CO-OP Community Projects

FEATURE CO-OP

Our network cooperatives bring people together to build strong and resilient communities

SEIZE THE MEANS OF PRODUCTION FILM CO-OP

Founded 2022

Seize the Means of Production Vancouver Film Cooperative is a brand new full service film and video co-op made up of award-winning filmmakers, videographers and editors. Storytelling is at the core of the cooperative practice. Their creative directors, political organizers, videographers, and editors have travelled the world telling community stories and their films have screened […]

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BUILDING A SOLIDARITY ECONOMY

HOW WE CAN HELP

The UCI works with a team of community organizers, cooperative developers, researchers, and professional staff, with the support of partner unions and organizations, who provide wrap-around back end support for our member cooperatives.

We connect our member co-ops with a growing network of worker-owned enterprises, labour unions, and institutional partners to help them scale and grow. By supporting each other through the sharing of knowledge and purchasing, we are creating a solidarity economy in action.