Name: The Strategic Role of Cooperatives in a Just Transition
Start: 2025-04-05T10:45:00-0400
End: 2025-04-05T12:00:00-0400

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Saturday April 5, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT

Abromson Room 213

This participatory workshop will provide an introduction to the strategic role that cooperatives can play in the labor movement towards a just transition, not as an alternative to unions and other worker organizations, but rather in collaboration with them. We will focus on examples of how cooperatives created by and for marginalized, historically under-represented workers have been uniquely situated to address immediate community needs while providing ways to demonstrate raising industry standards. Those same workers are often most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, so we will look at ways that the formation of cooperatives rooted in community needs can lead the way and drive change towards climate adaptation and mitigation solutions.

We’ll share case studies of the strategic use of cooperatives by immigrant communities to transform both working conditions and environmental impact in historically abusive industries; the role cooperatives have played in disaster response and rebuilding local economies after disruptions; and examples of conversions of existing businesses to worker cooperatives, at times as a result of partnerships with unions, that have resulted in localized climate mitigation and adaptation solutions while simultaneously raising the bar for wages and working conditions.

This session will use time in small groups to review and reflect on these case studies, draw out lessons together, and talk about what can be learned and applied locally.

Speakers

Heather Foran

Education and Training Manager, Cooperative Development Institute

Heather Foran is the Education and Training Manager for worker buyouts at the Cooperative Development Institute. In this role, she supports workers who are converting existing businesses to worker cooperatives. She spent many years as a member and board member of the Southern Maine... Read More →

Pável Uranga

Director of Immigrant Services, Cooperative Development Institute

Pável Uranga is the Director of Immigrant Services at the Cooperative Development Institute. Pável is a radio producer, community journalist, and community organizer with more than 20 years of experience working with unions, students, campesinos, and human rights organizations in... Read More →

Saturday April 5, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Abromson Room 213 88 Bedford St, Portland, ME 04101

Workshop

Just Transitions Summit

Heather Foran

Pável Uranga

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