CO-OPERATIVE ! AN INSTRUMENT FOR EMPLOYMENT

As a review to the event that led to the formation of the co-operative movement by the artisans in the Rochdale equitable pioneers, we came to understand that it was in 1844 when about 10 of the staffs from the weaver shop and about 18 other artisans from the cotton mill all in the town of Rochdale decided to come together to see how they can add value to their lifestyles as they were presently neglected by the government of the day, thereby facing critical economic and financial stress.

           

They, (the 28 persons) came together to set-up the first ever known co-operative society shop. Before this program was exhibited, you can compare it to a situation similar to a script which is made real by some actors through acting. Most time people with little means are looked down upon. They are always regarded as unreasonable. But the record about the 28 weaver tells us that although they manage to bring together one pound each within some months of starving themselves and putting their targeted success in view, their targeted vision was success for all as a collective group, which they eventually achieved.

           

How can we define the kind of critical economic stress these artisans faced, that eventually led to the setting up of this movement, we are talking about here? We have been made to understand that before deciding to bring themselves together as a co-operative group, the weavers faced miserable working conditions and low wages; hence they could not afford the high prices of food and household goods in their time. They were also not recognized nor assisted by the stronghold of their society. They were marginalized because they belong to the grass-root. To exonerate themselves from this pang of pains they are subjected to, they decided that by pooling their scarce resources and working experiences together, they may be able to help themselves to access some basic necessity they could never have acquired as individual.

In the beginning of their business venture, they were having only four items for sale. Which are Flour, Oatmeal, Sugar, and Butter. On December 21, 1844, they opened their store with a very meager selection of the aforementioned goods including a few candles. Within three months, they expanded their selection to include tea and tobacco, and they were soon known for providing high quality, unadulterated goods.

Seeing their progress within short time of operating the shop, the Pioneers decided to add value to their products in a systematic way. By treating shoppers with honesty, openness and respect, as they believed that this will enable these customers to partner with them, because they were having only meager fund to administer to their investment. Hence they needs affiliate partners. Their openness and transparency encourage the partners to feel free partnering with them. As they were very sure that they will be apportioned their normal share in the profits made from the investment, and that they will also have a democratic right to have a say in the business.