Normally these workers are not members of the co-operatives where they work. Seven Basic Principles Spread all over the world, today, there are around 705 million people who are members in co-operative organisations. Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsabilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination. Co-operatives are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership.
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative.
At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. If they enter into agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy. Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members. The first co-operatives hailed from the farming sector of various villages in the Maltese islands.