Connection between Cooperativism and Decent Work

Abstract

Cooperativism is based on the principles of cooperatives. They are applied, in practice, the cooperative values of free association and democracy for its members and are based on the fundamental rights. However, in the last two decades, in Brazil, the cooperatives began to hire workers on a low wage salary in a continuous and accelerated process. Taking into consideration that the hiring of workers by the cooperativism was not considered by its founding members, the formal hiring generated by cooperatives, all around the world, has increased. It is important to mention that the fundamental working rights notions started to exist due to the emergence of the concept of Decent Work. This concept was formalized by the International Labor Organization (ILO) in 1999, with the aim of promoting quality work opportunities, under the conditions of human freedom, equity, security and dignity. They are considered essential conditions for overcoming poverty, reducing social inequalities, guaranteeing democratic governance and sustainable development. In the research carried out in Brazil about this subject, it was identified that the employment opportunities generated by the cooperatives are closer to the concept of Decent Work when compared to those generated by the private sector. Thus, the present article aims to identify the connection between cooperativism and Decent Work through a bibliometric revision of literature. The methodological process used in the research was the bibliometric approach by applying co-word analysis. From the results obtained, it was not possible to establish a direct connection between cooperativism and Decent Work. Nevertheless, the connection was identified indirectly in the articles that focused on this theme. Even though, the focus was on the associated membership and not on the hired employees.

The Cooperative Experience of Cogon Farmers: Food Security for Small Farmers

“…This research and extension work is founded on the economic theory of cooperation introduced firstly by Ivan V. Emelianoff in 1947 and succeeded by the Theory of Cooperation of Deutsch and Krauss in 1962. Several scholarly articles that have stressed the nature, importance, and benefits of a cooperative theory and cooperativism have also made a significant contribution to the completion of this work (Altman 2009;Emelianoff 1995;Fang 2016;Jacques, Verginio & Estevam 2019;Royer 2014;Tjosvold 1984;Şahin & Hacısalihoğlu 2018). The economic theory of cooperation postulates that a cooperative is an aggregate of economic units which finds fulfillment through its members who must be active and controlling participants of it (Emelianoff 1995).…”

“…These employees must be remunerated justly so legal violations will be avoided under the labor law. Paying them according to the minimum wage standard set forth by labor law will allow them to support the needs of their respective families (Jacques, Verginio & Estevam 2019). Some cooperatives have ceased their operation because of legal issues that they committed.…”

“…Throughout the world, abuses continue to happen against workers. Their rights can only be safeguarded when existing laws are imposed (Jacques, Verginio & Estevam 2019).…”