Worker Owned: In Their Own Words

WORKER OWNED: In Their Own Words is a 30 minute documentary about the Linnton Plywood Association. LPA was a worker owned cooperative formed in 1952 to manufacture plywood. With a down payment of $1000 each, about 180 men committed to purchase a share in LPA for $5000. The remaining $4000 for each members share was to be paid over time from their earnings as workers in the new operation. All workers were paid the same hourly rate for whatever job they did. Each member had one vote and the board of directors of the organization was comprised of the membership elected by the members.  Based on hours put in they shared equally what was left after bills were paid, reserves of logs secured and new equipment purchased. Members made good livings for over 40 years.

WORKER OWNED: In Their Own Words is edited from 16 hours of interviews, recorded during the Fall of 2007. Eight former, long time, worker/owners of LPA shared their stories. Still photos shot by Mike Balteau, a worker owner, in the 1980’s and ‘90’s, helps us see the people and know the place.

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