The idea of the union-co-op has grown out of a formal collaboration in different countries between unions and the co-operative movement and is based on an expanded set of co-operative principles which are focused on protecting worker’s rights, creating decent work and paying a fair wage.

The core union co-op principles are:-
1. Voluntary and open membership
2. Democratic member control
3. Member economic participation
4. Autonomy and independence
5. Education, training and information
6. Co-operation among co-operatives
7. Concern for community
8. Subsidiarity of capital to labour
9. Solidarity and fairness in renumeration
10.Commitment to union co-op development