Just Us! Worker Ownership
In starting Just Us!, the real driving force was not making money but making a difference.
Obviously to have jobs and do any good for others, we would have to be a viable business that is profitable. We were, however convinced that profits did not have to be made at the expense of the people involved or the environment.
We incorporated Just Us! as a cooperative - a "worker owned cooperative" - with all those initially involved, owners and having an equal say. We also did it because it was cheap, seemingly simple and in harmony with the ideals of Fair Trade.
We have had some growing pains for sure, but today are very proud of the progressive and dynamic workplace that we have created. Everyone who comes to work at Just Us! is expected after two years to make a nominal investment of $2000 and apply to become "owners" with all of the rights and responsibilities that are entailed. The sense of ownership, we believe, improves the quality of our products and services and gives workers at Just Us! skills, information and opportunities they would not ordinarily have.
Just Us! also builds long term economic assets that will serve the workers, the community and the cause of Fair Trade for years to come.
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