Shift Change

Gr 11 Up—The film begins with an exciting premise—workers are more motivated when they own a company, rather than when they just work for it. Several different case studies are presented, such as a 50-year-old network of cooperative businesses in Mondragon, Spain; the Evergreen Cooperative in Cleveland, Ohio; and the Arizmendi Bakery in San Francisco. Much of the film is in Spanish with English subtitles. Viewers are exposed to the interiors of many factories as people working at various levels are interviewed. Employees are thrilled to be sharing ownership. The views of San Francisco and Mondragon are stunning. There is also a review of the blighted working conditions in Cleveland, and a demonstration of the cooperative businesses which are bringing hope to Ohio. Students should have some familiarity with economic terminology in order to understand the material being presented. The film is very detailed and is a little slow at times, making it suitable only for the most dedicated students.—Ellen. Frank, Jamaica High School, NY