These events are part of a series of workshops leading up to the US Federation of Worker Cooperative’s National Conference coming to Boston this June 22-24.

POTLUCK: Worker Co-ops in JP and Beyond

Wednesday May 9th, 6:30-9pm
Nate Smith House, 155 Lamartine St, Jamaica Plain (map)

Get an introduction to worker cooperatives. Hear about local worker cooperatives like Red Sun Press, Equal Exchange, Quilted, and the new Dorchester Food Community Co-Op. Join us for a discussion of what it look like to develop worker cooperatives in our communities and what community issues co-ops could address. RSVP to Orion Kriegman at orionk@gmail.com. It’s a potluck so please bring something to share!

Vida Verde Green Cleaning Workshop

Wednesday May 16, 6:30-8:30pm
Encuentro 5
33 Harrison Ave, Boston, 5th Floor (map)

Come learn how to protect your health and the environment by making natural cleaning products, and hear how Vida Verde members have empowered themselves and taken charge of their health and their jobs by starting a worker cooperative. Childcare and Spanish and Portuguese translation will be provided. RSVP to Susan Hecht susan@wildlabor.org.

DINNER AND DISCUSSION: Unions and Co-Ops Unite!

Wednesday May 23, 6-8pm
SEIU Local 1199
150 Mt Vernon St, Dorchester, 02124 (map)

Overview of what a worker-cooperative is, the history of labor union and co-op cooperation, and recent national developments. Hear about different models of workplace democracy, including worker cooperatives who’s worker-owners are also unions members. Discuss the challenges and advantages of workers being both worker-owners and cooperative members and how unions and cooperatives could work together more.

Please RSVP to James Razsa at jamesrazsa@yahoo.com. FYI – Check out the latest development in union-co-op collaboration from Pittsburg!