The Workers Cooperative Development Program | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD)

In Sunset Park, Brooklyn jobs that pay a living wage in a safe and respectful environment are hard to find. These people, especially migrant workers often become victims of exploitation and poor working conditions. Another contributing factor to migrant workers facing employment challenges is that many of them do not know their rights as workers.

The Worker Cooperative Development Program was launched in 2006 to help these workers. The cooperative model was the best way to create meaningful and decent jobs. The program helps members to create cooperatives that lead to long-term stable jobs with fair wages in a work environment that upholds the values of equity, dignity, and mutual respect for the workers.

To achieve these goals, the center coordinates the formation and organization of each cooperative by providing workers with business consultation and support services that are offered by a bilingual English/Spanish team. The cooperatives give these workers between 21-40 hours a week and they sometimes make up to 22 dollars an hour. Being a co-owner of a business also gives them leadership skills and opportunities.

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