Democracy at work in an Indian industrial cooperative
Subtitle: the story of Kerala Dinesh Beedi
By: T.M. Thomas Isaac, Richard W. Franke, and Pyaralal Raghavan.
Contributors: Franke, Richard W.; Raghavan, Pyaralal.
Publisher: ILR Press
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Ithaca, NY
Language: eng
Number of pages: 255
Subjects: Kerala Dinesh Beedi (Firm); Tobacco industry -- India -- Kerala.; Cooperation -- India -- Kerala.
Description: The authors tell the story of a democratic workers' cooperative that makes hand-rolled cigarettes known as "beedis," in the unorganized sector of a fiercely competitive capitalist economy in India.

The authors analyze the major features of the cooperative, assessing its overall structure, worker-elected management, shop floor democracy, and progress in providing a better life for its worker-owners. Tensions are also discussed, including the complaints of women workers and the need for diversification from tobacco.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p.233-248) and index.