From workers' struggle to workers' control through a cooperative

The VIOME worker cooperative in Thessaloniki, Greece, exemplifies a successful transition from workers’ struggle to workers’ control. Born from the 2011 bankruptcy of its parent company, leaving 70 unpaid workers, VIOME workers occupied the factory, initially focusing on unpaid wages and job security. They shifted production from construction materials to environmentally friendly cleaning and personal hygiene products, securing initial capital through a community concert. Distribution utilised “markets without intermediaries,” eco-fairs, and eventually an online store. Established as a cooperative in 2014, VIOME operates on principles of assembly decision-making and equal earnings, eliminating hierarchical relationships. The cooperative expanded its activities to include a physical store, product diversification and community engagement, hosting events and supporting social causes. VIOME demonstrates a resilient model of self-managed, socially responsible enterprise, contributing to local development and challenging traditional capitalist structures.