For our Mutual Benefit A common agenda for Co -operatives, Trade Unions and Credit Unions

1. For our Mutual BenefitA common agenda for Co-operatives, Trade Unions and Credit Unions Foundations for a mutually beneficial future

2. A common but less mutual history Trade Union identities foundation Tolpuddle Martyrs 1834 (Film Red) Cooperative identities foundation Rochdale Pioneers 1844 (Film Rochdale Pioneers) Credit Union identities foundation Hermann Schulze-Delitzsch and Friedrich Riaffeson 1850’s (Buidling Societies 1846 Wiltshire) These are not the first examples but all developed in part as a response to unfair treatment by employers and employment law and to create positive alternatives and rights

3. Became world wide movements 1895 – the first international Cooperative Congress (Co-op Party 1919) 1919 – the first international federation of trade unions 1970 – first World Council of Credit Unions

4. Experiencing some common challenges and developments Political economic outlook and affiliation – traditionally the labour movement generally – all now saying they will work with any political party but are all claiming to be an alternative to free market capitalism All aspire to create democratic political economies offering people more egalitarian; Economic participation Democratic involvement Outcomes

5. The end of the cold war and mutuality revisited The command economy by the state had widely fallen into disrepute and largely, free market capitalism had fallen into disrepute – many talks about a 3rd way.

6. We have a strong staring point. International Cooperatives (including Credit Unions) in 2012 Cooperatives have over 900,000,000 members (more than the total number of people employed by all the multi-national companies in the world) The international turnover of cooperatives is over 1.1 trillion (% of the world economy) It employs over 100,000,000 people

7. International Trade Unions in 2010 The International TUC represents 175 million workers It co-ordinates 311 affiliated organisations Operates in 155 countries and territories.

8. Cooperatives and Credit Unions in Britain Over 12,000,000 members A national turnover of over 33 billion Over 5,400 member owned businesses Employ over 260,000 people Supports co-operative MPs

9. Trade Unions in Britain 2012 6.5 million members 54 Trade Unions Sponsors Trade Union MPs

10. Cooperative Principles • Voluntary and Open Membership • Democratic Member Control • Member Economic Participation • Autonomy and Independence • Education, Training and Information • Co-operation among Co-operatives • Concern for Community

11. Co-operative values • Democracy • Equality • Equity • Solidarity • Self Help • Self responsibility

12. Trade Union principles of Decent Work Work that is productive and delivers a fair income Security in the workplace and social protection for families, Better prospects for personal development and social integration Freedom for people to express their concerns, organize and participate in the decisions that affect their lives Equality of opportunity and treatment for all women and men.

13. Trade Union Values Democratic Ownership Autonomy Partnerships of equals Transparency Accountability Coherence and consistency Inclusiveness and equality Sustainable business http://www.ituc-csi.org/IMG/pdf/8GC_E_11_Appendix_I.pdf

14. Putting common values and principles into practice We enable working people and citizens to have more informed control of their lives by; Getting members to; Be involved in economic and organisational decisions in their workplace Be involved in social and economic decisions in their geographical area of citizenship Encourage fairness, internationalism and good employment practice Support positive social and environmental knowledge and practices

15. First steps Encourage members to have a triple membership of mutuality, so they are members of; • A Trade Union • A Co-operative • A Credit Union

16. Building on existing work Co-operative movement and Trade Unions have a number of agreements, particularly around public service Trade Unions and Credit Unions are working together and there are Trade Union Credit Unions. All need (and want) employed people earning a decent wage to be members – but all have concern for the unemployed and vulnerable

17. Things we can do locally • Get Trade Union activists and Co-operators to develop some regular common forums • Look at a joint conferences on the themes of Economic regeneration, employment, financial and community well being (This is first including Credit Unions but others are emerging)

18. Education • The benefits of the Common Ownership of capitaland ethical banking and investment services – Getting the most from deferred shares, Community shares, subordinated loan and other forms of co-operative capital • Democracy and fairness at work – Putting co-operative and trade union values together in an effective workplace environment. • Co-operative business lending and advice – Co-op Finance, Credit Unions and CDB’s • Normalising Co-operation and collectivism - debunking competition and selfishness