THE Members’ Magazine Spring/Summer 2020 PIONEER

Liverpool’s quiet Florence Eshalomi MP: Love it? List it! co-operative A new Co-operative Our new community revolution voice in Parliament assets campaign 06 10 24 ‘By amplifying diverse voices and empowering members to take action, you can build change from the bottom up.’

See ‘Movement Building’, page 10

02 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2020 Letter from the General Secretary Welcome to your latest edition of The Pioneer

he beginning of a new decade commonwealth. brings with it fresh ambition and In this edition we reflect on the Contents T fresh opportunity. co-operative movement’s history In the run up to the New Year, (p. 08), explore how we can build 04 Let’s Build It there was a trend of people posting on those traditions to modernise our Together ‘2010 vs 2020’ pictures on social movement (p. 10), and we hear how media. If the Party were to be able trade unions are organising to win 06 Case Study: to be pictorially characterised in a in the gig economy (p. 18). A quiet revolution similar fashion, I believe it to would We also look at the work our in Liverpool demonstrate incredible growth and councillors are doing to build local 08 change. co-operative economies (p. 04) The Co-operative However, we are by no means with the case study of Inclusive Movement: Values in Action content. This edition of The Pioneer Economy Liverpool (p. 06), and our focuses on how we can grow our new Love It? List It! campaign to 10 movement in the upcoming years. protect our community spaces (p. The Long Read: Movement Building This decade must be one of 23). co-operative and Co-operative Finally, we introduce you to our 14 Party proliferation – we have such newest MP Florence Eshalomi (p. Explained: How It All Fits a positive and apposite message 16) and our new Disability Network Together allied with our values and principles, (p. 26). And if you live in England, we owe it to our communities and you can find out about standing for 16 The Conversation: society to ensure that the answers election this May (p. 25). Florence Eshalomi we have for we live in are We have a busy few months and Andrew Pakes felt, embraced and adopted. ahead – so it’s great to have you as 20 I hope if that social media trend part of the team! Spotlight: Northern Ireland, comes around again in 2030, we Scotland & Wales can collectively look back with true pride at the steps we have taken 23 Love It? List It! together in building the co-operative Campaign Joe Fortune, General Secretary 24 Policy Process THE PIONEER 2020 Tel: 02073674150 Promoted by Joe Fortune on behalf of Email: [email protected] the Co-operative Party, both at Unit 13, 25 Editorial enquiries: Georgia O’Brien 83 Crampton Street, London, SE17 3BQ. Member Updates: and Shane Brogan. Printed by Solopress, 9 Stock Road, Elections, Disability Southend-on-Sea Essex, SS2 5QF. Co-operative Party Limited is a registered Network and Society under the Co-operative and Events Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. Registered no. 30027R

Letter from the General Secretary 03 Feature Let’s Build it TOGETHER

Anna Birley Policy Officer, Co-operative Party

We can help restore trust in politics by giving people the means to create and build wealth in their communities. That’s what Labour and Co-operative councillors are already doing - and more should follow their example.

04 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2020 ince the EU referendum result it has become signed the city up to an ambitious something of a cliché to talk about how to pledge to double the co-operative S respond to the sense of powerlessness felt in sector. In Manchester, the many communities. The foundations of our economy Greater Manchester Co-operative have been shifted by Brexit, technology and Commission seeks to create a deindustrialisation – and in turn these have shone co-operative enterprise zone where a light on a growing divergence in views and values new co-operative enterprises can across geographies and generations. This divergence thrive. In Oxfordshire, councillors is both a symptom and cause of the breakdown of the have brought the community ties that traditionally brought people together. together to create a community- The mantra of trickle-down economics is being run bus. In Leeds, self-employed tested, as towns and cities who have long relied on workers are piloting co-operative inward investment to revitalise their economies have ways of providing each other sick grown tired of waiting for austerity to end. They find pay and security. themselves bearing the brunt of distant corporate These are not isolated examples decision-making. Britain’s manufacturing heritage – our co-operative values of has been replaced by call centres and warehouses participation, social responsibility where jobs are too often secure only until the service is and democratic accountability are cheaper to provide elsewhere. taking root and finding practical But, despite a bruising election defeat for Labour, application up and down the our co-operative movement and activists aren’t country. Imagine how extending mourning. They’re organising. democracy to our workplaces, They represent a different way of doing politics - one cultivating engagement in civic grounded in communities, which builds from the bottom decisions and building communities up and empowers people to take control over the things which support each other looks that affect their daily lives. From Preston to Plymouth, like on a national scale – Labour from North Ayrshire to Merthyr Valley, you can see does not need to be in power in this politics in practice. Labour and Co-operative Westminster to make this happen councillors are building community wealth, using public now. procurement and working with anchor institutions to Our mission now as a Party keep money circulating in their local economies. And and a movement is to grow this crucially, they are growing the co-operative economy. activism and to demonstrate our In Preston, for example, freelance psychologists values and principles through their have organised into a co-operative to share services practical application. We know that and support each other. Plymouth councillors have co-operation offers many of the answers that our communities are asking for, and that it also offers a way forward for the left. 

Feature 05 Case study A quiet revolution in Liverpool

Cllr Patrick Hurley CEO, Inclusive Economy Liverpool

here are almost too many co-ops in the city to keep that Inclusive Economy Liverpool track of. There’s the Smithdown Social, proving the are doing with Creative Spaces Co. T local community with access to great music, arts, and Social Impact Consulting. Our culture and training. The Naked Lunch Cafe, Windmill CoStarters Pioneers programme is Wholefoods and Homebaked Bakery, and Lock and helping potential co-operators learn Quay Pub all give a retail food offer that is tough to the basics of running a co-operative beat. Meanwhile, Urgent Care 24, Kitty’s Launderette business and is running throughout and Arts Hub 47 all provide different services to the 2020 and beyond to help people community that aren’t catered for elsewhere. turn their ideas into action. Taking this mini-renaissance to its next level, with Since launching in Autumn an expected further expansion in the sector is the work 2019, our programme has already

06 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2020 had one recognisable success: The and talents of local people have perhaps been given Clocktower Neighbourhood Society, insufficient attention. Changing that situation is part of formed with a view to taking over the reason for the creation of CoStarters Pioneers. the running of a disused 19th It’s a tough ask to protect state-funded business century building on the outskirts of advice and support in an era of cuts to frontline the city centre and turning it into a services all round. But if the country is to grow its Co-op Academy to hothouse new grassroots business sector, including the co-operative ideas, and act as a recognisable movement, and genuinely reverse the trend of retail physical home for the sector in the closures, protectionism and gig economy work, then city. There should be more where it’s imperative that choices along those lines are made that came from over the next twelve with an eye on the longer-term prospects for jobs and months too. business growth throughout the next decade. Over the last couple of decades, In Liverpool, we’re hopeful that the work we’ve Liverpool’s economic growth started will bear fruit in the coming years, and a renewal strategy has had a large focus of the co-operative model will become evident. And of on attracting external capital course, we’re all stronger when we work together, so investment, both from large please do get in touch so we can all share knowledge private organisations and from of what works and how to survive in trying times. the European Union. It’s highly likely that such a strategy has run its course for both obvious and unexpected reasons. In the meantime, the entrepreneurial skills More information at: ieliverpool.com

Case Study 07 From a store in Rochdale to a Feature movement of three million co- operatives worldwide, co-operation is an idea with a proud history and an exciting future. The co-operative movement: a history of values in action

Anna Birley Policy Officer, Co-operative Party

ust before Christmas 1844, a working-class As the number of co-operatives community in Rochdale came together to take a grew so did the movement: 150 J stand. Facing a 12-hour working day, a government years ago, they founded what is ban on trade unions, and food that was often deadly – now Co-operatives UK, in 1917 they they did something simple but revolutionary. established the Co-operative Party, Building on the work of earlier co-operators, and that was followed by the Co- they established the Rochdale Society of Equitable operative College, who celebrated Pioneers, setting down our co-operative values and their centenary in 2019. principles for the first time. Toad Lane is now a museum, Their goal was to sell good quality food at affordable but the society founded there grew prices; placing equality at the heart of what they did to become the Co-operative Group. by giving every man and woman a vote and say, with 175 years later it continues to show members in the local community receiving the profits, a better way of doing business not far-off investors. that supports and invests in our Co-operation spread across the country from that communities and is part of an active first shop on Toad Lane, becoming a large movement movement that includes Scotmid, for social change. They showed that you don’t always Central England, East of England have to be in power at Westminster to change our and Midcounties co-operatives. communities for the better, and that legacy carries on Although we have a proud today. history, the co-operative movement

08 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2020 The Rochdale Pioneers’ co-operative store on Toad Lane, Rochdale. CC BY 3.0: https://bit.ly/2v2nxtb is not rooted in the past, but in our working across all societies to protect retail workers shared values and principles. from violence. Scotmid toasted their From tackling plastic waste and working to 160th anniversary last year by end modern slavery, to new co-operative ventures encouraging every store to raise investing in community owned housing and energy, the £160 for their charity of the year, movement is as relevant and transformative as ever. raising over £20,000. And the Co- We believe in an economy where wealth and power operative Group have used their are shared, and at the heart of this is a larger co- 175th year to give to 4,500 local operative sector. community causes. The co-operative movement shows that ordinary Together we’ve launched a new people working together can change society. We are era of co-operative campaigns, building on our rich heritage of change from the bottom- including working with Central up to create a fairer country and make the 2020s a England to bring our Food co-operative decade.  Justice campaign to the stages of Greenbelt music festival, and we’re

Feature 09 The Long Read Movement Building

‘A movement isn’t just a group of people working towards a common goal. A movement is the stories we tell each other. It’s our shared values and principles. It’s the bonds we build.’

10 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2020 Georgia O’Brien Joe Fortune Digital and Communications General Secretary, Officer, Co-operative Party Co-operative Party

he last decade saw the rise much more we can do to make it truly transformative. and reinvigoration of many And that starts now, in our local communities. T political and social movements, Our point of pride as a party has always been our driven not only by the incredible practicality. It’s what makes us different: we don’t connecting power of the internet but just talk, we act. We don’t just organise, we build. by ordinary people looking for ways That’s why in recent years our members haven’t just to make their voices heard outside been holding meetings: they’ve been taking action of traditional structures. From – from saving their local pubs to starting community #MeToo to Extinction Rebellion, bus networks. The future of our movement lies in modern movements have shown expanding this work and focusing on co-operation that by amplifying diverse voices in action. We need our members to be community and empowering members to take pioneers: identifying local issues from homelessness action, you can build change from to housing and helping to craft local solutions. Concern the bottom up. The co-operative for community is a key co-operative principle and by movement is strong, but there is so rooting ourselves in our communities, we can start

The Long Read 11 Moss Community Energy Launch in Greater Manchester. CC BY 2.0, from TenTenUK. continued from page 11 political party of the movement is making a difference right now. to provide co-operators with the The Party can act here as the connective tissue tools they need to improve their between co-operative communities and the centres own communities: from electing of power, joining the dots between the work co- co-operators onto councils who can operators are doing on the ground and the politicians support local projects, to working and policies that can take those ideas to communities in Westminster to make laws that across the country. If a local community energy co-op create a better environment for co- sets an incredible example of providing cheap green operatives to thrive. energy to a community, we can use that evidence to Another lesson to learn from lobby for change across the country. Our role as the successful modern movements

12 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2020 is that our diversity is our strength. A crucial element co-operation is the solution to all of a local approach is that it is also an opportunity to the political, economic and social bring new voices into our movement. By reaching out problems that Britain faces. But the to a more diverse audience, we can bring new ideas, true way to grow our movement energy and enthusiasm. Part of the strength of our isn’t to lecture about its virtues – it’s movement is our heritage: for over a hundred years, to show, not tell. we have been making change from the shop floor to the halls of power. But while I’m proud whenever I see the historic photo of the Rochdale Pioneers, we should remember that isn’t the face of our modern movement. To expand, we must be rooted in our history while being more reflective of the young, vibrant and diverse movement we aspire to be. A movement isn’t just a group of people working towards a common goal. A movement is the stories we tell each other. It’s our shared values and principles. It’s the bonds we build. If our movement is to grow, we have to get better at demonstrating the co-operative difference through practical action and bringing new voices into our movement. It can be all too tempting to evangelise that we have all the answers – that

The Long Read 13 Explained LOCALNATIONAL BRANCHES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (NEC) Branches are at the heart of local Party activity,The NEC allowing sets themembers Party’s to strategy debate policy,and politicalselect candidates direction. It’s and elected organise by HOW IT ALL campaigning.members and They includes elect delegatesrepresentatives to CLPs,from Partythe nations Councils and and regions, Conference. as well as If youfrom want our affiliatedto get more co-operatives involved email: and [email protected] unions. New elections. take place FITS this spring – read more on page 25.

CAMPAIGNS PARTY COUNCILS TOGETHER Taking part in campaigns is one of the waysBranch you arecan grouped help us buildto form a fairer a Party Shane Brogan society.Council, Recently which administerwe’ve worked the onParty Membership Manager, modernin their day area, slavery; and support violence branch against and Co-operative Party retailmember workers; activity. and Northernfood justice. Ireland, Love it?Scotland List it! has and just Wales launched have toa nationalprotect communityParty Council. spaces In England– read more Party on hether you’re new to the Co-operative Party or an pageCouncils 23. usually cover several counties experienced co-operator, there are many ways or a full region. W that you can get involved and support our work. Our Party relies on the time and energy of our members: from helping run local branches and our networks to taking part in our policy process and campaigns and electing our NEC and candidates. LABOUR MOVEMENT MEMBER NETWORKS Here’s a look at how the Party operates and the ANNUAL CONFERENCE LABOUR MOVEMENT different ways members can get involved – and a quick For nearly a century, the Co-operative Networks support members to organise guide to some of jargon you might hear at a branch andConference Labour Parties is our have keynote worked event, campaigns,For nearly sharea century, experiences the Co-operative and meeting. together.bringing We together stand membersjoint election and shapeand Labourour work. Parties Our networkshave worked include candidates,speakers towith debate 26 MPs, and vote Youth;together. Women; We standBAME; joint and election LGBT+. 7 MSPs,on policy, 11 discussAMs, and our 800 strategy, Youcandidates, can read withabout 26 the MPs, new 7 DisabilityMSPs, 11 councillorsand shape representing our campaigns both and NetworkAMs, and on page800 councillors 26 or find representingout more parties.activities. We Thisalso yearco-operate we’re inat Leedsa local aboutboth all parties. our networks We also at co-operate levelon 17-18and members October. elect You candelegates attend to as a party.coop/networks.at a local level and members elect Constituencydelegate or Labouras an individual Parties (CLPs). member. delegates to CLPs.

14 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2020 LOCALNATIONAL BRANCHES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PARTYPARTY POLICY POLICY ANNUALLOCAL CONFERENCEBRANCHES (NEC) Branches are at the heart of local Party EachEach year year our our member-led member-led policy policy ConferenceBranches areis our at keynotethe heart event, of local activity,The NEC allowing sets themembers Party’s to strategy debate processprocess asks asks members members and and branches branches bringingParty activity, together allowing members members and to policy,and politicalselect candidates direction. It’s and elected organise by forfor youryour ideasideas andand feedbackfeedback onon debatespeakers policy, to debate select and candidates vote campaigning.members and They includes elect delegatesrepresentatives to ourour policy policy platform. platform. This This then then onand policy, organise discuss campaigning. our strategy, They CLPs,from Partythe nations Councils and and regions, Conference. as well as goesgoes to toannual annual conference, conference, andelect shape delegates our campaigns to CLPs, and Party If youfrom want our affiliatedto get more co-operatives involved email: and wherewhere delegates delegates vote vote on theon thefinal final activities.Councils This and year Conference. we’re in Leeds If [email protected] unions. New elections. take place document.document. This This year’s year’s process process is isnow now onyou 17-18 want October. to get more You caninvolved attend email: as a this spring – read more on page 25. openopen – read– read more more on on page page 24. XX. [email protected] or as an individual member..

CAMPAIGNS CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT NATIONAL EXECUTIVE PARTY COUNCILS MEMBER NETWORKS COMMITTEECAMPAIGNS (NEC) Taking part in campaigns is one of the We’re proud to be the party of the waysBranch you arecan grouped help us buildto form a fairer a Party co-operativeNetworks support movement members since 1917to organise – TheTaking NEC part sets in the campaigns Party’s strategy is one of the society.Council, Recently which administerwe’ve worked the onParty championingcampaigns, a share society experiences with co-operative and andways political you candirection. help us It’s build elected a fairer by modernin their day area, slavery; and support violence branch against and principlesshape our at work. its heart. Our networksOur memberssociety. andRecently includes we’ve representatives worked on retailmember workers; activity. and Northernfood justice. Ireland, Love movementinclude the has Youth; 14 million Women; frommodern the nations day slavery; and regions, violence as againstwell it?Scotland List it! has and just Wales launched have toa nationalprotect membersBAME; and LGBT+.a turnover You asretail from workers; our affiliated and food co-operatives justice. Love and communityParty Council. spaces In England– read more Party on of £38can billion, read about showing the anew way of tradeit? List unions. it has New just electionslaunched take to protect place pageCouncils 23. usually cover several counties doingDisability business Network based on on page values, 26 or not find thiscommunity spring – read spaces more – readon page more 25. on or a full region. profits.out more about networks at party.coop/ page 23. networks.

MEMBER NETWORKS PARTY COUNCILS LABOUR MOVEMENT CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT Networks support members to organise Branches are grouped to form a Party campaigns,For nearly sharea century, experiences the Co-operative and Council,We’re proudwhich toadminister be the party the ofParty the in shapeand Labourour work. Parties Our networkshave worked include co-operativetheir area, movement and support since branches 1917 Youth;together. Women; We standBAME; joint and election LGBT+. and– championing member activity. a society Northern with Youcandidates, can read withabout 26 the MPs, new 7 DisabilityMSPs, 11 Ireland,co-operative Scotland principles and Wales at its NetworkAMs, and on page800 councillors 26 or find representingout more haveheart. a national Our movement Party Council. has 14 In aboutboth all parties. our networks We also at co-operate Englandmillion Party members Councils and usually a turnover cover party.coop/networks.at a local level and members elect severalof £38 counties billion, showing or a full aregion. way of doing delegates to CLPs. business based on values, not profits.

Explained 15 the conversation FLORENCE ESHALOMI MP Florence Eshalomi was elected as the new Labour and Co-operative MP for at the 2019 General Election. She was elected as the Member for and Southwark in 2016.

Congratulations on your recent election as Labour and Co-operative MP for Vauxhall, what does it mean to you to represent your constituency as a Co-operative MP? It’s the greatest honour of my life to be elected by the people of Vauxhall to represent them in Parliament. It means a great deal to do so as a joint Labour and Co-operative Member of Parliament, and represent the respective history and values of both. Communities like mine have suffered over recent years, and whether it’s the economy or the decision

16 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2020 on our place within the EU, too many feel like Given the current political politics has left them behind. Since the election I’ve landscape, what opportunities been working to put co-operative values in action, do you anticipate for the Co- and show people another way of doing politics is operative Party? possible. In what is obviously a difficult time for the wider Labour How important are elected co-operators movement, the Co-operative in Parliament for the wider co-operative Party has a real opportunity movement? to provide the progressive, Co-operative parliamentarians are a crucial pragmatic and optimistic presence at the heart of our political system, solutions to so many of the providing a strong voice to stand up for the challenges people face. co-operative movement and making sure local We have the chance to co-operation can continue to thrive in communities demonstrate the co-operative closer to home. way of doing things, by putting But effective Co-operative parliamentarians our values at the very heart of are part of a wider structure that represents our how we do politics. movement right across the country. From local From housing, access to government, devolved administrations in Scotland financial services, community and Wales, to communities making change happen safety, the wider co-operative from the bottom up with co-operative initiatives, economy and so much more, our co-operators are working together everywhere. movement and its principles can And with council elections fast approaching, it’s show the way to share wealth as important as ever to have Co-operative Party and power. representation at all levels.

With a history of involvement in the co- operative movement, how do our values shape your politics, both within Westminster and before it? As a Co-operative councillor, Member of the London Assembly, and now MP, co-operative values have always been at the heart of how I approach politics. In promoting co-operative principles, policy, and co-operatives themselves, I’ve always endeavoured ‘I’ve always to ensure power and wealth are shared more endeavoured to fairly in the hands of those making decisions in ensure power and our communities, and I’ll continue doing so in Westminster. wealth are shared more fairly in the hands of those making decisions in our communities’

The Conversation 17 the conversation ANDREW PAKES Andrew Pakes is Director of Communications and Research for the Prospect trade union, and a current member of the Co-operative Party’s NEC.

In this edition of ‘The Pioneer’ operate, building on a drive to we look at movement building help people get on at work and – what are your reflections create a sense of autonomy for on the Trade Unions’ work in workers that is shared with the attracting new people in to co-operative movement. membership and activism? Just 16% of workers in the Today’s world of work needs private sector are in a union worker voices more than ever. today. But there is a sense that The rise in precarious working, worker organisation and unions always-on culture, the impacts of are on the rise. Work can be austerity and ongoing squeeze an anxious place for many on living standards all point to an people whether that is due to economy that isn’t working for fears about your job or poor working people. This has always pay. There is an appetite to help been the space in which unions create a sense of belonging and

18 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2020 shared identity at work that is helping to grow many allow workers to collectively and unions rebooting ourselves as a movement. share their own data together to challenge employers. Given the radically changing nature of work and workplaces how are Trade Unions such as One of the policy challenges Prospect looking to develop new methods of the co-operative movement organising? has been looking to make a There are many shared similarities between the difference in recent years has co-operative movement and modern trade unionism. been precarious working – in The starting point is about mutual interdependence what ways should the trade and creating better individual opportunities through union movement and the raising our collective endeavours. At Prospect and co-operative movement work in our Bectu sector, we are making the best of new together closer to provide real technology and drawing from ideas in community support to workers in these organising to supplement our traditional ways of areas of the economy? working. I really believe that trade unions We already have thousands of freelance and co-operatives share values members, particularly in the creative industries, but that make us much stronger as the economy changes at an ever faster pace we when we work together. We live are creating new forms of engagement and networks in an era where division and for members. This means looking at new forms anxiety are used to drive wedges of collective voice, such as negotiating industry between people. Neither waiting conditions for freelance and contract workers, and for a different government nor providing tools to enable members to build power hoping for top down solutions wherever they are based. are answers. We need to reclaim a sense You have written about ‘DIY Unions’ and tech of community whether that is activism in the US – what lessons do you think where you live or work. As I we can learn here in the UK? step down from the Co-op Party There is a huge amount of energy coming out of a NEC this year, I really hope we new breed of DIY organisation in the US, particularly can create more opportunities in the tech sector and gig economy. Much of this for co-operatives and unions to comes as workers fight big tech and a hostile share ideas and make government to get basic protections. But it also together. comes from new forms of activism over concerns around discrimination in technology. We are working with a collection of unions across the world to help develop our own worker tech, and sharing new tools to put power in the hands of workers. We are testing a new app in the UK that works much like a FitBit except all of the data is owned and held by workers. Using some of the tools that big tech itself uses, we are creating tools to

The Conversation 19 Spotlight

Northern Ireland: The Winds of Change?

Tony McMullan Chair, Northern Ireland Co-operative Party

019 was a busy year for election unionist making gains at the expense of Sinn Fein and tellers in Northern Ireland, with the DUP. 2 three elections in just over six The results of the General Election in December months, for local government, means the return of progressive voices from Northern European Parliament and then Ireland at Westminster, with both the SDLP (Labour’s Westminster. sister party) and the cross-community Alliance Party Since its creation almost a gaining seats. century ago, politics here has There are real signs of optimism, and the Northern been dominated by the border Ireland Co-operative Party is ready to play our part, with issue with political parties aligned our first manifesto published last year setting out our to the unionist and nationalist vision of a more co-operative society. communities coming out on top. This is the ideal opportunity for the Labour and That’s meant it’s been very Co-operative Parties to give the people of Northern difficult to get a government that will Ireland the chance to vote for cross community, social support the co-operative policies we democratic and co-operative policies. The time has know Northern Ireland needs. come for the Labour Party to take the historic step to But these elections are the start stand candidates here, a move that the Co-operative of a more hopeful era, with the Party supports. moderate parties and those who Hopefully, it won’t be too long before we see Labour identify as neither nationalist or and Co-operative candidates pounding our streets.

20 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2020 Spotlight Scotland: My Fight for Retail Workers

Daniel Johnson Labour MSP for Edinburgh Southern

y Bill to give more protection to often pay the price in the form of ‘It is staff on retail workers has now started violence, threats and abuse from M to make its way through the customers. That shouldn’t be part of the shop floor Scottish Parliament. anyone’s job. who we expect I am really pleased with the level In the next few months the of support that it has had from the Bill will make its way through the to enforce those co-operative movement. Scotmid committees of the Parliament laws, and who and the Co-operative Group have and eventually to a debate in the been supportive. My fellow Scottish Scottish Parliament. If like me, all too often pay Co-operative Party members have you believe that people should be the price’ also been very supportive, and I able to go to work free from fear want to thank you for that. then please take the time to contact When I formally tabled my Bill I your MSPs and ask them to make was pleased that my friend Eddie sure that the Scottish Parliament Thorn was there to represent the supports my Bill. Scottish Co-operative Party and Please help me to make a show your on-going support. difference and protect retail From alcohol to cigarettes, from workers. Find your MSPs: knives to acid there are now more parliament.scot/ than 50 types of product which msps are restricted by law. It is staff on the shop floor who we expect to enforce those laws, and who all too

Spotlight 21 Spotlight Wales: Working together for sustainable food

Poppy Nicol Alice Taherzadeh Sustainable Places School of Geography and Research Institute, Cardiff University Planning, Cardiff University

ommissioned by the Wales the flourishing of sustainable and ‘Co-operative Co-operative Party and the Co- just food systems within Wales. C operative Party Group of AMs, The report also explored co- ways of working researchers at the Sustainable operative case studies from around could and Places Research Institute have the world, including Wales’ Cae published a new report on ‘Working Tan, which offers insight into how should play an Co-operatively for Sustainable and community supported agriculture important role Just Food Systems’. (CSA) can help create thriving Their work highlights how co- local economies, cultivate healthy in fostering operative ways of working have the produce and support local ecology. sustainable potential to support sustainable and The study presents three key just food systems within Wales. policy recommendations we need to and just food Currently, co-operatives and work on: systems in co-operative ways of working play 1. Scaling-out sustainable a fledgling role in the Welsh food and just food production in Wales in the economy. The report suggests Wales future’ co-operative ways of working 2. Co-producing Local Food could and should play an important Economies and Cultures role in fostering sustainable and through Food Hubs just food systems in Wales in the 3. Supporting Co-operative future. This requires political and Welsh Economies: legislative support from the Welsh Information, Training and Government. Advice They found that challenges were You can read the full report and found to be hindering the scaling- find out more about our campaign out of co-operative economies and at party.coop/site/wales.

22 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2020 Update Love It? List it! Campaign

to their friends and neighbours to ‘Concern for James Butler Campaigns Officer, identify the communal spaces that community Co-operative Party they love the most as part of our ‘Love it? List it!’ campaign. is a central In England, we are asking co-operative e’re losing around 4,000 members to use the powers of communal spaces every year. the Localism Act 2011 to list their principle’ W In some cases, cash strapped spaces as ‘assets of community councils are forced to sell off their value’; in Scotland, Wales and estate, in others the private sector Northern Irelandwe can use the is prioritising short-term profit at the information about the places people expense of social value. In every love to encourage the Governments case, the community ends up losing to legislate to protect our common a much-loved space whether it’s open spaces. a pub, community hall, library, or We all know what’s important open space. to our community, Concern for community is a and together as central co-operative principle, Co-operative Party so it’s no surprise that the Co-op members, candidates Group has already done much to and representatives Back the campaign: party.coop/loveitlistit raise awareness of what might be we can all make a the greatest loss of common space difference. If you love it, since the Enclosures. And it’s why list it. we’re asking members to speak

Update 23 Update Policy Process Get Involved You can find out more about our policy process and how you can contribute by visiting our website on party.coop/policy/2020. Our policy process consultation will run until 14th June. You can take part by: • Attending your local Co- operative Party meeting 2020 and having a policy discussion Anna Birley Policy Officer, • Coming to a Regional Co-operative Party Conference in your region • Individually, using the online n the tradition of co-operation, our form policy process is member-led and is • On behalf of a community I your opportunity to shape the ideas group or co-operative that we’ll take to all levels of Government. you’re involved in We’re excited to announce that this year, our policy process will focus on: Wales, Scotland and Connecting communities: from buses Northern Ireland to broadband The policy process 2020 covers the whole of We’ll be looking at the physical and the UK and members in Wales, Scotland and virtual infrastructure that connects our Northern Ireland are encouraged to take part. communities, and asking how co- In addition, the Wales, Scottish and Northern operative solutions can help. Ireland parties lead policy development for their devolved administrations. In Scotland, there Corporate governance: making will be a Scottish policy process to prepare for businesses work for the common good the Scottish Parliament elections in 2021, with We’ll be looking at how we govern details announced soon. In Wales, themes for our businesses so that they are more consultation will be launched later this year with responsible and sustainable, in line with online and branch consultation meetings ahead our co-operative values. of Welsh Parliament elections in 2021.

24 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2020 Update Member Updates Co-operative Party Local Elections Elections 2020 2020

his spring, we’re holding elections to the lections take place on 7 May for Co-operative Party’s National Executive councils, metro mayors, police and T Committee, to take office for three years E crime commissioners and the London from June 2020. Assembly in England, and police and crime Self-nominations for the NEC closed on commissioners in Wales. 6 February. Party Councils and Branches There are now 800 co-operative councillors, will soon receive a list of candidates and championing co-operative solutions in their will have until 15 March to make supporting areas and helping to build stronger, fairer nominations. communities. Look out for your emailed ballot papers If you are a new candidate or standing for by 13 April – these will come from Civica, not re-election in May, join our growing team and the Party – please don’t forget to check your help strengthen our work in local government. spam if you haven’t had yours. Ballot papers Applications are now open, and the process will only be posted to members that we don’t is easy and straight forward. All you need to do have an email address for. The deadline to is complete the application form on our website vote is 4 May. with your personal statement, and your local Nominations are also open for the Co- party will then decide to endorse you as a joint operative Party Disciplinary Committee. There councillor. are two places for each of the nation and As a Labour and Co-operative candidate, regions. This is a vital role in the Party and we you’ll get help from the Co-operative Party in are particularly urging women, BAME, LGBT+ getting co-operative ideas into your manifesto, and disabled members to come forward. and you can use our logo on your materials and social media.

Read more at: Read more at: party.coop/cpdc-elections-2020. party.coop/local.

Update 25 Update Disabled Members’ Network we are a team of activists seeking change both inside the Party and throughout society. The Tories in government have waged war on Caroline Walsh Interim Chair, Co-operative disabled people across this country, systematically Party Disability Network cutting services and support whilst creating the narrative that we’re fakers and skivers to justify the blistering ideological attacks on our community. Well we he new Disabled Members say ‘enough is enough’. Network launches soon: join us! Since September 2019 we’ve made representations T We’re launching a network about policy and practice to the NEC, given of cooperators to build a strong recommendations about future campaigns alongside disabled member-led arm to the Labour and Co-operative councillors during speeches at Party. We want to attract a wide conference 2019, including an inclusive play campaign pool of talent from across the proposal, and continue to make representations on a country to champion the range of initiatives. co-operative difference we can In the General Election we were out campaigning for make not just to disabled people candidates which enabled us to make the practical case and their carers’ lives, but our wider for more accessible and inclusive campaign models political movement. and start to develop workable ideas. We’ve already got off to a great Amongst our future goals we want to develop on start, from a grass roots member- the recommendations from our recent event around led campaign we’ve now got identifying and addressing barriers to standing for Conference’s support and formed public office and civic volunteering. a steering group to lead us through We are an enthusiastic and friendly group eager to our early days; advising the NEC expand both regionally & nationally. on policy and practice making sure All members will receive an invite to our launch the Disabled community’s voice is event in March with more details about how you can get heard loud and clear. We now need involved and help shape our work. If you want to get in you to add to that voice. touch with us in the meantime email But we’re not just a talking shop, [email protected].

26 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2020 Events

We have a full programme of events and activities this spring with our regional and national conferences as we run up to our Annual Conference in Leeds this October.

These events are open to all members, and are an opportunity to hear more about our work and help shape the Party’s campaigns and policy.

For more information and to see our full events calendar visit party.coop/events

UK Events & Conferences • 24 February - 8 March: Fairtrade Fortnight • 7 May: English & Welsh Local Elections • 6 June: Co-operative Party Limited AGM, • 22 June - 5 July: Co-operatives Fortnight • 11 July: Co-operative Party Local Government Conference, Oxford • 17-18 October: Co-operative Party Annual Conference, Leeds

Regional & National Conferences

• 1 February: North West Conference, Salford • 1 February: South East Conference, Guildford • 29 February: South West Conference, Bristol • 14 March: East & West Midlands Conference, Coventry • 14 March: Yorkshire and the Humber Conference, Sheffield • 13 June: Wales Conference, Cardiff • 13 June: Scotland Conference, Edinburgh • 20 June: Northern Ireland Conference • 31 October: North East and North Cumbria Conference, Sunderland

Events 27