The Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power (COWOP), a state-wide coalition in Massachusetts, campaigned throughout the state budget season for funding for the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO). Their efforts have paid off as they successfully secured funding for MassCEO and worker-owned businesses in the FY25 budget that Governor Healey signed on July 29th.
MassCEO plays a crucial role in supporting worker-owned businesses by providing training, education, and direct assistance. These businesses are owned collectively by their workers, and many of them are cooperatives, meaning they are also governed collectively by their workers. By supporting MassCEO, the Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power is not only investing in the success of worker-owned businesses, but also strengthening justice and democracy in the workplace.
“Worker-owned businesses are a fast-growing sector of the Massachusetts economy. They help us address difficult challenges deriving from historical exclusion of some entrepreneurs, and exploitation of some workers, due to their race, class or gender,” said Alex Papali, Policy Director of COWOP.
“It’s great news that state government is investing in worker ownership, and providing a viable path for many more people to stabilize their own family finances while contributing to our commonwealth,” added Papali.
In addition to funding MassCEO, the grassroots movement led by the Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power also achieved an important victory by securing increased state funding for technical assistance for small businesses, including worker-owned cooperatives. This win was spearheaded by the Coalition for an Equitable Economy, and the Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power has been rallying alongside them throughout the creation of the state’s FY25 budget.
“Being part of this movement isn’t just a role—it’s a responsibility. We are here to be the change-makers, ensuring that economic equity is not just talked about but realized in every corner of our community. We believe we are stronger together,and actions speak louder than words,” said Tracye Whitfield, Executive Director of the Coalition for an Equitable Economy.
The Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power is a state-wide coalition in Massachusetts dedicated to advancing a worker ownership movement. They mobilized hundreds of Massachusetts residents to advocate for the importance of supporting worker-owned businesses. Through their efforts, they have successfully secured funding for MassCEO and worker-owned businesses in the Commonwealth.
Worker-owned businesses and cooperatives are more than just businesses; they are a testament to a business model that prioritizes workers’ dignity, participation, and prosperity. They contribute significantly to local economies and address deep inequities in our economy by being more likely to be owned by people of color, women, and gender non-binary residents. Funding MassCEO supports the growth of these businesses and the creation of a cooperative economy in Massachusetts.
The Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power’s success in securing funding for MassCEO and worker-owned businesses is a significant step towards building a more just and equitable economy in Massachusetts. It is a testament to the power of grassroots movements and the dedication of individuals and organizations who believe in the importance of worker ownership. The Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power will continue to work towards their long-term vision of creating a cooperative economy where workers collectively own and govern their workplaces.
For more information about the Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power and MassCEO, please visit the websites: https://www.cooperativema.org and https://massceo.org.
