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559 Carpenter Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19119
215-843-2350
8424 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19118
215-843-2350
2129 72nd Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19138
215-276-0706
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New Co-op Work Program
by Josh Giblin,
Work Option Committee Chair
In July 2009, Co-op members voted to restructure our Membership program to allow for Non-Working Members. Following the vote, Management was faced with hard decisions about how to implement this new program. An advisory committee was formed, comprised of Board, Staff and other Members, to review plans laid out by Management and provide recommendations as necessary. Many discussions were had around Member Benefits, Working Benefits and Co-op culture, and many different viewpoints were represented. A major deadline was for the program to be implemented before the Chestnut Hill store opened, so that we could work out as many glitches as possible before doubling in size. The Committee helped keep the work from being rushed, and Management has made improvements to minimize disruption (staffing, technology, etc.). In the end, this team has distilled its work into what will hopefully be a successful transition. We recognize that there will most likely be hiccups, and we are committed to maintaining smooth operations and excellent customer service while we make this shift.
In considering the new Member Categories, our goals were to:
• Develop a Membership Category for non-working
Members
• Continue to make the work program integral and
attractive
• Clarify and, if possible, expand the Member Benefits
package
• Maintain competitive prices for Members and Potential
Members
• Make fiscally responsible and conservative choices
during a time of considerable change
• Make these changes with a minimum of disruption to
current members who want to remain working members
We wanted to make sure that current Members, who have been working this past year, would not see a decrease in benefits when the shift happens. This dialogue was also a great opportunity for the Co-op to clarify its Membership policies and processes, which will be communicated to Members.
Going forward, the Co-op recognizes three membership categories: Friends and Neighbors, Members, and Working Members.
Friends and Neighbors. Weavers Way Co-op is open to the public. Shoppers who are not currently members will pay the shelf price for goods and will have access to some, but not all, of the services provided by the Co-op, such as our Catering menu.
Members are all Co-op households who are up to date with their $30 annual equity investment, or who have reached their equity cap. All Members will have access to all member benefits (see “Membership Benefits at a Glance,”) and will have access to Member-only specials. Members will pay the shelf price, unless they elect to become Working Members.
Working Members are Members who also contribute their time and energy to the Co-op, completing six work credits each year per adult in the household (work credits are usually, but not always, equal to one hour of work). Working Members receive a five-percent WorkShare discount on their purchases (see “WorkShare Discounts: Doing the Math,” at right). Working is no longer a requirement of Membership and Working Members who choose not to work in the future will still be considered Members. All Members currently in good standing will automatically be considered Working Members at the time of implementation.
This new membership program will be implemented on January 1, 2010. For most members, the switch should be seamless. All Members currently in good standing will automatically be considered Working Members at the time of implementation. To be in good standing, you must be current with your 2009 Equity investment and Work Hours. If you opt out of the Work Program in 2010, it will not affect your Benefits until the end of your 2010 cycle. Before your next Membership cycle begins, you will receive a renewal notice that will explain the program and ask about your intention to work. Your answer will help the Co-op plan for operational challenges, but will not affect your initial WorkShare discount.
If your Membership cycle started in October (A), November (B-1) or December (B) of 2009, you will receive the WorkShare discount through the end of your current cycle. You must be current with your Equity and complete your household’s Work Credits to continue to receive the WorkShare discount after your cycle ends.
All other members in good standing (whose next cycles start in January through September of 2010) will receive the WorkShare discount through the end of their cycles. If your household chooses to Work, Work Credits must be completed by the end of your cycle to continue to receive an uninterrupted WorkShare discount.
Member benefits begin when you make your first Equity payment, usually at the time of Orientation. If you choose to become a Working Member, your WorkShare discount will begin upon completion of the appropriate number of Work Credits for your household (6 hours per Adult).
There are a variety of ways to contact us with your questions and comments. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to make sure your Membership requirements are up to date before the change takes place. Aside from the Comment Box in the store, call the Membership Department at 215-843-2350, ext. 118 or e-mail at member@weaversway.coop , or contact the Work Option Committee by phone at 215-843-2350, ext. 311, or by e-mail at joshgiblin@weaversway.coop
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