työntekijäosuuskunnat

Työntekijäosuuskunta, known in English as a worker cooperative, is a business organization that is collectively owned and democratically controlled by its employees. In a työntekijäosuuskunta, the workers are also the owners, and they participate in the decision-making processes of the enterprise. This model contrasts with traditional corporations where ownership and control are typically vested in shareholders or a board of directors.

The fundamental principle of a työntekijäosuuskunta is that the people who work in the business have the primary say in its operations and direction. Profits are often distributed among the worker-members based on their contributions or work performed, rather than solely on capital invested. Governance is typically based on the principle of one member, one vote, ensuring that each worker has an equal voice in the cooperative's affairs.

These cooperatives can operate in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and services to retail and technology. They are often established with the aim of providing stable employment, fostering a more equitable distribution of wealth, and promoting worker empowerment. The cooperative structure can lead to higher levels of employee commitment and job satisfaction due to the shared ownership and participatory management. While the specific legal frameworks and operational details may vary by country, the core concept of employee ownership and democratic control remains central to the definition of a työntekijäosuuskunta.