Welcome to the Union Cooperative Initiative
The Union Cooperative Initiative (UCI) is building an economy that works for all through the creation, incubation, and operation of unionized cooperatives that are good for people and the planet. We’re a solidarity cooperative composed of freelance union workers, solidarity workers, network cooperatives, and allied organizations.
UCI membership is open to all value-aligned individuals and organizations who share the goal of building a social and solidarity economy at home and abroad.
Your application for membership has been approved by the UCI Membership Committee.
To maintain active membership status, UCI members commit to:
1. Solidarity work on behalf of the cooperative
2. Monthly dues tied to income or operational budget ($5 to $50/month)
Our suggested membership fee structure for individuals is based on annual income:
- Under $40,000: $5/month
- $40,000 – $65,000: $10/month
- $65,000 – $85,000: $20/month
- $85,000 – $100,000: $30/month
- $100,000 – $120,000: $40/month
- $120,000 or more: $50/month
Membership fees for network cooperatives is tied to the workers of each co-op:
- Co-ops with an operating budget of under $250,000 annually:
$10/month per worker-owner and $5/month per worker - Co-ops with an operating budget of under $1 million annually:
$20/month per worker-owner and $10/month per worker. - Co-ops with an operating budget of over $1 million annually:
$25/month per worker-owner and $15/month per other worker
3. Promotion of network cooperatives and campaigns
Members must participate in one work project (paid or volunteer) and support one or more campaigns during their 6 month probationary period.
The probationary period will be tied to the date active dues payments begin. Probationary members can begin dues payments at any time through the UCI Worker Ownership Project Fundraiser on Chuffed.org.
Probationary members may apply for up to a 3-month leave of absence during their probationary term. Dues may be paused during this this period. The probationary period will restart from the number of full completed months.
Probationary members must submit full membership application confirmation on completion of the probationary period, purchase a $10 refundable membership shares, and confirm they have met all membership commitments. This will be reviewed by the UCI membership committee. Probationary periods may be extended in 3 month increments should all membership commitments not be met.
Full members will have access to benefits and privileges including access to the UCI Studio, full voting rights at AGMs, and the ability to run for the UCI Board of Directors. Please e-mail any questions info@unionci.ca.