Comparative Study of Workers Cooperative in Japan and in the Philippines

Abstract

This paper explored how Workers Cooperative in Japan and the Philippines embody sustainable shared growth of their members and contribute to socio-economic development. Specifically, it looked into the organization, objectives and activities of Workers Cooperative and how it serves as a model for the promotion of the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). An analysis of the Japan Workers Cooperative Union (JWCU) and Asiapro Philippines revealed that both satisfy the Lawless and Reynolds’ Best Operative Practices of Cooperatives. Their members understand both their industry and their cooperative; governance structures are supported by the membership; the cooperatives have a clearly defined mission and focus; personnel practices reflect the cooperative’s culture; and the cooperatives maintain adequate financing. Hence, they effectively achieve capacity building, manpower placement and business partnership. To ensure OFW welfare, Workers Cooperatives’ role is to provide advisory, facilitation, consulting and guidance services towards capacity building, manpower placement and business partnership in the four phases of the Trajectory of Migrant Work: employment, pre-return, return and reintegration. The Ramirez OFW Workers Cooperative Model is therefore recommended to guide the promotion of OFW welfare in the different stages of migrant work.