Principle #9: Concern for Workers

Welcome back to our monthly blog series on the twelve Cooperative Principles that guide how we operate here at Sno-Isle Food Co-op. The ninth principle that we follow is Concern for Workers.

Principle #9:
Concern for Workers

We are committed to providing safe, purposeful, and dignified employment at a livable wage. We encourage and enable staff participation in the governance and economic success of the Co-op.

Sno-Isle Food Co-op has long been known in the community as a great place to work, and it has never been better to be part of the team! This is due in no small part to Principle #9: Concern for Workers. We strive to maintain an excellent work environment by supporting our staff with comparable wages (starting at $15/hour), excellent benefits, a generous employee discount, and many other perks.

One of the things that makes the Co-op a special place to work is that each staff member has a literal ownership stake in the success of the Co-op. That’s right—not only do Co-op employees work at the Co-op, but we are proud Co-op Owners too! We vote in the Co-op Elections every year, and there is a position on the Board of Trustees that is reserved for a staff member who is elected along with the rest of the Board. Currently serving as our staff representative on the B.O.T.: our unstoppable Sales Manager, Stevie!

While Co-op staff have varied job descriptions and responsibilities across many departments, we are all valued as not only members of the team but also as humans. When someone on the team needs a hand, they won’t have to look far for someone to jump in and assist. This can-do collaborative atmosphere is part of why many members of our team stay with the Co-op for long periods: 5 years, 10 years, and some have been with us even longer!

It’s not difficult to find a staff member (this blog-writer included!) who can confidently say that Sno-Isle Food Co-op is the best job they’ve ever had. This kind of culture doesn’t happen by accident; it is because of our commitment to the cooperative principles, especially #9, Concern for Workers.

4th of July Parade 2019

Photo taken Fall 2019