työosuuskunta

A työosuuskunta, often translated as a worker cooperative, is a form of business organization where the employees are also the owners. In this model, the members of the cooperative collectively own and control the means of production, such as machinery, tools, or intellectual property. Decision-making power typically rests with the members, who usually exercise it through a democratic process, often on a one-member, one-vote basis, regardless of their capital contribution.

The primary purpose of a työosuuskunta is to provide employment for its members while also generating economic benefits for them. Profits, when they arise, are usually distributed among the members in proportion to their labor contribution or according to other pre-defined democratic agreements. This contrasts with traditional corporations where ownership and control are often separated from labor.

Työosuuskunnat operate under cooperative principles, emphasizing self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. These principles guide their internal governance and their relationships with the wider community. The legal framework for establishing and operating a työosuuskunta varies by country, but the core concept of worker ownership and democratic control remains consistent. They can be found in various sectors, from manufacturing and services to agriculture and creative industries.