Our Ends
The Dill Pickle Food Co-op will sustain
a thriving community that has:
equitable economic relationships,
positive environmental impacts, and
inclusive practices grounded in
cooperative values.
Cooperative Identity & Values
"A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.
Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. "
Cooperative Principles
The guidelines by which co-ops around the world put our values into practice:
1. Voluntary & Open Membership
Co-operatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control
Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and co-operatives at other levels are also organized in a democratic manner.
3. Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. Autonomy & Independence
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter to agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy.
5. Education, Training & Information
Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
6. Co-operation among Co-operatives
Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
7. Concern for Community
Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
The Dill Pickle and the Dill Pickle Food Co-op Workers Union Sign Three Year Collective Bargaining Agreement
The Dill Pickle Food Co-op and the Dill Pickle Food Co-op Workers’ Union (DPFCWU) have signed a new collective bargaining agreement. The DPFCWU ratified the new three-year agreement by a unanimous consensus of those voting, with only one employee abstaining.
The Dill Pickle Food Co-op & DPFCWU are proud of the consensus we’ve reached. The agreement includes:
A substantial pay increase to ensure that wages remain competitive and the Co-op can attract the best possible employees
Nine paid holidays
A new dispute resolution policy
An improved ability for employees to accrue paid time off and seniority benefits
New opportunities for the union and the store to collaboratively evaluate how the store is managed and benefits offered to employees
“DPFCWU members are dedicated to serving our customers and our community. We applaud our members and management for reaching an agreement that furthers the co-operative values of democracy, equity, and solidarity,” states Erika Mikkalo, DPFCWU President. “We look forward to the store’s growth and our continuing shared contributions to bringing healthy and sustainable groceries to our membership and neighbors.”
“The Dill Pickle Food Co-op is excited to have a new collective bargaining agreement in place with the DPFCWU. Our employees are critical to our missions of bringing local, sustainable food to Logan Square and Chicago more broadly, and this agreement further solidifies our mutual goal for the Co-op to succeed long into the future. A big thank you to all those who helped us get here,” states I’Talia McCarthy, GM of the Dill Pickle Food Co-op.
About the Dill Pickle Food Co-op Workers’ Union:
Established in 2022, the Dill Pickle Food Co-op Workers’ Union is a local independent union representing workers at the Dill Pickle Food Co-op, a member-owned and financed grocery cooperative located in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago.
