Building on the Democracy at Work Institute’s national initiative to grow worker-owned cooperatives, Garment Worker Center engaged Public Works Partners to determine whether such a cooperative was viable in LA’s garment industry and, if so, to create a business plan.
Building on the Democracy at Work Institute’s national initiative to grow worker-owned cooperatives, Garment Worker Center engaged Public Works Partners to determine whether such a cooperative was viable in LA’s garment industry and, if so, to create a business plan.
The team facilitated visioning sessions with future worker-owners to shape the cooperative’s structure and goals from the ground up, conducted in-depth research on local industry conditions, and interviewed manufacturers and brands operating in LA’s garment sector to understand market demand, competitive positioning, and potential business partnerships. This research and stakeholder input were synthesized into a comprehensive business plan and financial model.
Beyond the financial viability the plan demonstrates, it positions the cooperative as a vehicle for entrepreneurship, dignity at work, and long-term economic security, giving immigrant garment workers an ownership stake in their industry and a path to build wealth and stability on their own terms.
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