Workplace Democracy and Civic Engagement in Vermont Food Cooperatives. Issue 2 (25th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reuge, Cecile; Mares, Teresa
• Is Part Of: Working USA. Volume 19:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 207
• Page End: 227
• Publication Date: 2016-05-25
• Subjects: Labor unions -- Periodicals; Labor -- Periodicals; Working class -- Periodicals; Labor unions -- United States -- Periodicals; Labor -- United States -- Periodicals; Working class -- United States -- Periodicals; 331
• DOI: 10.1111/wusa.12237
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1089-7011

Abstract

Abstract : This article argues that the efforts of worker‐run governance bodies are integral for securing worker citizenship at consumer cooperatives; however, are not immune to challenges associated with forging worker solidarity across racial and ethnic lines. Using a mixed methods approach that includes focus groups, individual interviews, and textual and policy analyses, this study looks at the impact of unions on the social, political, and civil rights of workers in two unionized food cooperatives in Vermont. It was concluded that unions provided critical opportunities for civic engagement and workplace democracy although more work was needed in the area of inclusion.