What are 'worker co-operatives'?

Worker co-operatives are businesses that are owned and managed collectively by their workers. In this model, each member of the cooperative has a say in the decision-making processes, ensuring that every worker is involved in how the business operates. This structure emphasizes the sharing of profits among all members, which promotes equity and mutual benefit.

The essence of a worker co-operative lies in its democratic governance and the equitable distribution of financial surplus among its members. This stands in contrast to traditional business models where decisions may be made by a single investor or a group of investors who primarily focus on maximizing returns for shareholders. In a worker co-operative, the well-being and interests of the workers are prioritized alongside the financial health of the business.

Therefore, the defining characteristics that make option B the correct answer include ownership by the worker-members, shared decision-making, and the distribution of profits, which are fundamental to the cooperative model.