Journal of Co-operative Studies, 50(3), 35-37

Abstract

The final paper continues on the theme of workers’ participation but with a focus on consumer societies. Our author — John Gallacher, later Lord Gallacher, admits that when he was taught that consumer co-operation was the highest form of co-operation as “it did not suffer from the defects of other lesser types” (p. 35), he took this at face value. Thirty years on and writing in changed economic and regulatory conditions (1976), he states; “I no longer believe in the consumer theory” (p. 35). In this context, he describes the increasing power of organised labour and, given this, asks the question why workers might want increased responsibility in decision making.

References

Hurlston, Malcolm (2004, January 9), John Gallacher: Pillar of the co-operative movement, Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/lord-gallacher-37785.html