“Cooperatives have Christian roots”

“Cooperatives have Christian roots”

How was the cooperative movement born?

This appropriation of production tools was initially carried out by 19th century workers and is part of a protesting vision of capitalism. But cooperatives also have Christian roots. Social Christians saw it as a means of reconciling capital and work. Over time, this type of business has followed changes in the job market. Since 2010, we no longer say “workers’ cooperative production society”, but “cooperative and participatory society”, because the model is no longer just reserved for industry, as was once the case.

How to explain the recent development of SCOP?

There are nearly 2,700 of them in France. They meet diverse and contemporary needs. They ensure the defense of employment, as shown by the examples of Duralex and Scop-TI (formerly Fralib). But in many cases, it is also a group of people who want to come together and give meaning to their work.

Is there a recurrence in the profiles of individuals who launch a Scop?

They tend to be qualified, engaged in ethical or environmental causes and often carry out an activity that may fall under the social and solidarity economy (ESS). There is often something that clicks when they understand that they work in companies that are out of step with their beliefs. They then turn to the Scop.

Can the publicity of this little-known model depend on the success of an industrial flagship like Duralex?

With the media coverage of its takeover, Duralex made it possible to introduce this model. This exhibition, however, is double-edged. The company was taken over following financial difficulties, there is no guarantee that it will be put back on its feet. But if we look back, Scop-TI was not promised a great future, and, ten years later, the company still exists.

Does this model guarantee alternative functioning?

Not everyone has to turn to self-management like at Scop-TI. And from the outside, some cooperatives even look like normal businesses. But as the associated employees must be consulted, we do not fall into a “classic” capitalist model. A Scop remains a fundamentally different company.

Do the expectations linked to this different model cause frustration?

Employee participation can sometimes be a source of tension. Living a social plan in a SCOP is more painful than elsewhere. And not everyone has the same opinion on everything. These disagreements are more visible, since they are expressed more freely. For some, it can be difficult to have to obey a superior on a daily basis, while during general meetings, each voice carries equal weight. But it’s a more satisfying way of operating for employees.

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