A Democratic Theory of Valuation: The Central Co-op Tacoma Food Co-op Merger

[eridani]

http://www.thepierceprogressive.org/democraticvaluationcentraltacomamerger?utm_source=feedburner

On Dec 22, 2015, after a vote of the membership with record-high turnout, the Central Co-op of Seattle and Tacoma Food Co-op voted to merge into a unified corporation with a worker/consumer solidarity structure with approximately 15,000 community members. This is important news not only because of the merger, but also because it showcases an example of how to assign value to the broad range of goods and activities outside of the top down pricing method used by most businesses. I analyze their use of democratic decision making as a way to assign prices to products which is based on valuing all factors involved in production, thus, a democratic theory of valuation.

"Both memberships came out strongly in support of the proposed changes. Central Co-op saw a record breaking 1,544 votes. Members voted 93.2 percent in favor of Proposal 1, to complete the merger, and 89.5 percent in favor of Proposal 2, to shift to a solidarity co-op model. Central Co-op is the first single class co-op in National Cooperative Grocers to convert to a solidarity model by introducing a new class of worker-owners."

The details include an over $15 per hour starting wage, health, dental and vision plans, and paid sick leave for workers. Members receive surplus patronage dividends plus shopping discounts.

The people in the surrounding community benefit from the Healthy Community Program: If they are living on a restricted income, they receive 10% off their groceries on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In 2015 there were roughly 350 members of the community who joined the program and who, in aggregate, received over $20,000 off the healthy foods they purchased. Community organizations that promote cooperative community values can receive donations from the Co-op through an application process. The Coop is collaborating with Pinchot University in Seattle to create a cooperative management program.