The Story of the Rochdale Pioneers
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The Origin and Impact of the Cooperative Movement
- The Cooperative movement began in Rochdale in 1844 as a response to the difficult living conditions faced by working people.
- The Rochdale Pioneers set up a cooperatively owned shop to provide honest food at honest prices.
- They were inspired by Robert Owen's ideas and created Cooperative values, allowing anyone to join regardless of religion, politics, or job.
- The shop's profits were shared with members as dividends, promoting economic equality.
- The idea of co-ops spread across the country, leading to the formation of the Cooperative Wholesale Society.
- Co-ops prioritized education and provided reading rooms for members.
- Women in the Rochdale Pioneers Cooperative had equal voting rights, highlighting the movement's commitment to gender equality.
- Co-ops implemented initiatives ahead of their time, such as minimum wages, pensions, and better working conditions.
- Cooperatives cared for their members and even supported soldiers and their families during war times.