Co-operative Values. Fruit Works is owned by its members, who are also the workers at the co-operative. This means that the ownership and control of the company is shared among us, the people who work there. We are not a traditional business with a hierarchical structure, where a few individuals hold all the power and decision-making authority. Instead, we believe in collective ownership and democratic control.
Being a worker co-operative has many advantages. First and foremost, it ensures that everyone who works at Fruit Works has a say in how the company is run. Decision-making is not concentrated in the hands of a few individuals at the top, but rather, it is shared among all the members. This means that we have a voice in shaping the direction of the company, and our opinions and ideas are valued.
Another benefit of being a worker co-operative is that it fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among the workers. Since we are the owners of the company, we are deeply invested in its success. We take pride in our work and strive to deliver the highest quality products and services to our customers. This sense of ownership also translates into a strong commitment to the values and principles that underpin the co-operative movement, such as fairness, equality, and solidarity.
In addition to being collectively owned and democratically controlled, Fruit Works also operates according to the co-operative values of self-help, self-responsibility, and solidarity. These values guide our interactions with each other and with our customers. We believe in supporting one another and working together towards common goals. We also believe in taking responsibility for our actions and continuously learning and improving.
To give you a more personal perspective, let me share a story from my own experience as a member of Fruit Works. When I first joined the co-operative, I was amazed by the level of camaraderie and collaboration among the members. We would gather regularly for meetings where everyone had an equal opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to the decision-making process. It was refreshing to be part of a workplace where everyone's ideas were valued, regardless of their position or tenure.
Over the years, I have witnessed the power of collective ownership and democratic control in action. We have navigated through challenging times together, making tough decisions as a group and supporting each other through thick and thin. This sense of solidarity and shared purpose has not only helped us overcome obstacles but has also fostered a strong sense of community within our co-operative.
Fruit Works is collectively owned and democratically controlled by its members. We believe in the values of cooperation, self-help, and solidarity, and strive to create a workplace that is fair, inclusive, and accountable. Our commitment to these principles is what sets us apart and drives us to deliver exceptional products and services to our customers.