July was host to Worker Cooperative Day and we’re celebrating with a spotlight on our worker-owners and the impact joining a worker co-op has had on their lives.
Their successes are more than just a point of pride. They’re also proof that our model produces real changes for people and communities.
Co-ops create opportunities to earn more and do more
Since Up & Go’s launch in 2017, one of its core priorities has been to provide opportunities to marginalized communities, including immigrant women who face systemic barriers to employment and fair wages.
Like Natividad, who joined Up & Go as a cleaning professional in 2019. Joining a co-op unlocked new earning potential and gave her greater control over her time.
“Belonging to the cooperative world has changed my life radically. Before, I worked for a company where I had minimum wage and many times I worked 40 hours — sometimes unpaid. We have fair wages, we make our own schedules, and we spend more time with our family.” —Natividad
An empowering mindset shift from worker to business owner
More income and autonomy is just the beginning. When workers feel ownership over what they do, it also changes how they see themselves. Maria, who joined Up & Go in 2017, reflects on the mindset shift.
“We are not only workers but entrepreneurs. That changed who I am and how I see myself. I am constantly learning new things — how to run a business, how to handle a democratic decision-making process, what good management is.” —Maria
Creating beneficial downstream effects for families and communities
That growth doesn’t end with just the worker. It flows out into other areas of their life, creating positive downstream effects that benefit their families, communities, and more. Esmeralda, an Up & Go cleaning professional since 2018, describes how joining a co-op affected her family. “I think I’ve done a complete 180. I didn’t know there were platforms to keep learning. Being a business owner, my kids say to me, ‘Mami, you have changed so much, because now I see you happy when you leave for work.’ It affects everything, because if you’re well, your family is well, too.”
Our clients make it possible
These success stories couldn’t happen without our clients. By choosing to hire a worker-owned co-op, from the many cleaning services available, you’re making the choice to change lives and build stronger communities. That’s something we can all be proud of — both on Worker Cooperative Day and throughout the year.
