Labor Unions

Introduction to Cooperative Business Models (for AUC students)

• Overview of cooperative principles and values
• Types of cooperative business models (worker, producer, consumer, multi-stakeholder)
• Benefits and challenges of cooperatives compared to traditional businesses
• Examples of successful cooperatives in the apparel industry and beyond
• Opportunities for student involvement and leadership in cooperative development

Employee Ownership Transitions (for apparel business owners)

• Introduction to employee ownership and its benefits for businesses, workers, and communities
• Different models of employee ownership (ESOPs, worker cooperatives, etc.)
• Key steps and considerations in the transition process
• Financial and legal aspects of employee ownership transitions
• Case studies of successful employee ownership transitions in the apparel industry
• Resources and support available through the ICLS platform and partners

Building Democratic Workplaces (for workers and union members)

• Principles and practices of democratic governance in cooperatives and employee-owned businesses
• Roles and responsibilities of worker-owners
• Effective communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution in democratic workplaces
• Balancing business needs with worker participation and empowerment
• Examples of successful democratic workplaces in the apparel industry and beyond