A vision of a better world and not merely a bigger share of this one at the expense of others...
“Earthworker is a practical, innovative and visionary attempt to begin the construction of a new economic system that respects the environment and workers at the same time. Our planet and our economic future depend
on the success of such ventures.”
- Colin Long, Division Secretary, NTEU Victorian Division (and member of the Earthworker core team).
Climate change and conserving our natural environment is a challenge and an opportunity. We want to emphasise the latter. Tackling climate change requires us to transform our economy, to make it more democratic and
to provide environmentally sustainable jobs.
Earthworker is a not-for-profit Co-operative with a mission to facilitate the establishment of worker co-operatives – manufacturing renewable energy technologies, initially solar hot water systems, throughout regional
Australia; particularly in Australian coal regions. Money raised by or for Earthworker Co-operative, either via memberships, or campaigns like this one, goes towards this mission.
A licence to co-operate
“The question is ‘How does Australia achieve the new jobs in manufacturing, so that we are not only installers and maintainers in an economy which is already 80% service sector?’ Earthworker Co-operative provides an
important part of the answer.” - Troy Gray, Assistant Secretary, Electrical Trades Union
Earthworker Co-operative wants to establish Australia’s first workers’ co-operative for sustainable manufacturing.
Initially, we need $9474.30 (AUD) to produce our first run of solar hot water units under licence from a supportive and respected existing Australian manufacturer Douglas Solar.
Once we receive our first bulk order (most probably from an Australian workplace) (see our video for information about union-employer purchasing agreements) we will be able to produce solar hot water units straight away at the Douglas factory.
Environmentally-conscious Australians who want to support local manufacturing - while saving money on their power bills - will have a new and exciting sustainable choice.
Earthworker eventually aims to establish Australia’s first green workers’ co-operative, Eureka's Future Workers’ Co-operative, manufacturing solar hot water units. Earthworker has a factory lined up in Morwell for
Eureka’s Future to produce the units. We need to raise $2,000,000 (AUD) to establish the factory in Morwell so any money raised over $9474.30 (AUD) for this StartSomeGood campaign will go towards further licencing costs and any other activity towards the establishment
of the factory.
If we reach our Tipping Point Goal you will become a member of the Earthworker Co-operative (unless you choose the $50 pledge). At this stage we can only join up members in Victoria. However if you are from another
Australian state or territory don’t worry, you can still pay online (we will make you a member as soon as national laws come through to allow this – due this year). We are not taking international memberships (outside of Australia) but we have some great rewards
that international supporters can pledge for (check out the diary from the Australian Conservation Foundation or the book on Co-operatives from Co-operatives Victoria).
"I encourage everyone to donate towards this union-supported initiative because, in its emphasis on jobs and the environment, it represents one practical way in which Australians can work collaboratively
to respond to the challenge of climate change and achieve a low carbon economy.” -
Ged Kearney President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)