Vacancies & Opportunities

Bridge Street Workers Co-op

Co-op Applicant’s Pack

We came about writing this so that prospective members would know what they are getting into. We would know that they knew. If, having read it, they were still into the idea, we would know that they were really into the idea.

What is BSWC?

It is a group of people who work together co-operatively. There are no bosses, we are all workers who share joint responsibility for the smooth running of the shop. This gives us greater control over our work situation, and a lot more flexibility around working hours, holidays etc etc. At present, there are 3 full co-op members; Carl, Ruby, Julian, and 1 associate member – Karen.

What is work like at BSWC?

There are lots of different things to be done – bagging up, serving customers, washing pots, sweeping floors, packing veg. bags, putting stock away, pricing up goods, paying bills and banking, dealing with phone calls and other admin. stuff, writing stock orders, book-keeping, filling up shelves, VAT returns etc etc. You don’t need to learn ALL of this at once! Big tasks that need learning – stock orders, book-keeping and VAT. Bill paying and banking can be acquired more slowly. The first thing would probably be to get your head round stock ordering (with plenty of back up!). We have a lot of fun working together and sometimes we get time to socialise together. We all lead independent social and family lives, but we do get together for a jolly and we are all good friends!

What’s expected of Members?

1. Full members are registered as Directors with Companies House and as such are all responsible for accounts being kept and sent once a year to said House.

2. Each Co-op Member is expected to; arrive punctually for work, and, bar illness or disaster, to always appear at their appointed times (!!) Each Member is expected to contact another Co-op Member if they are unable to work.

3. On joining the Co-op we would expect you to show a willingness to share as many aspects of the work outlined above as possible. We meet once a fortnight to discuss Co-op business.

4. We meet once a fortnight in the evening to discuss Co-op business.

5. We are very flexible re time off and swapping hours but each Member should organise their own cover and first discuss it at a meeting.

6. Sometimes we have to attend meetings at 02000 or Radical Routes (both secondary Co-ops that we are in turn members of) – everyone is encouraged to go to some meetings.

7. We are initially looking for someone who intends to stay for at least a couple of years.

8. If conflict arises with another Co-op Member/Worker we expect those involved to try and sort it out.

9. Finally – being part of the Co-op is not just doing a job. Co-op Members have scope to participate fully in all the decisions about the shop, and are encouraged to bring along their own ideas for improving the Co-op and helping it to thrive and grow.

So, you want to try it out?

Splendid – you can see if you like the job/us and we can see if the job and life in the Co-op suits you. A trial period of 3 months. If all is well after the trial period, then great, you become a full member.

Finally

Any Co-op member, no matter how longstanding, could be given notice to leave for any of the following:

1. Stealing from the Co-op or a member/worker.

2. Harassment or oppression towards another member/worker.

3. Non co-operation or participation in the running of the Co-op.

4. Failing to respect other members rights.

5. Any behaviour which might bring the Co-op into disrepute, or endanger the Co-op and it’s members.

6. Irretrievable breakdown of relationship(s) with another member, after all avenues of resolution or mediation have been exhausted.

Should anyone be asked to leave the following procedures would take place:

1. The member would receive a written complaint outlining the behaviour detrimental to the Co-op and giving them at least 28 days notice of a general meeting to discuss the grievance.

2. At the meeting the grievance would be considered and the member in question would have the chance to have their say. If the member failed to attend without due cause then the meeting would proceed in their absence.

3. The member would be required to leave if ¾ of the members present at the meeting agreed it.

Where a member’s behaviour poses an immediate risk to the Co-op we reserve the right to dispense with the 28 day period and hold an emergency meeting at shorter notice.