A Gig Economy Alternative That Puts Workers First
Most gig economy platforms prioritize profits over workers, leading to low pay, job insecurity, and little control over working conditions. Up & Go is changing that narrative by creating a worker-owned cooperative model for cleaning services—where cleaners set their own rates, retain more earnings, and make collective decisions about the business.
The Origins of Up & Go: A Mission for Worker Empowerment
Up & Go was launched by the Center for Family Life in Sunset Park (CFL) to help immigrant worker cooperatives access digital markets. Their goal? To provide independent cleaning professionals with an alternative to exploitative gig platforms.
“We saw the need for a platform where workers could market their services online while still owning their businesses,” says Juan Cuautle, Program Director at CFL.
By eliminating corporate middlemen, Up & Go ensures that workers keep more of what they earn—a stark contrast to traditional gig work.
Overcoming Challenges: Building a Cooperative in a Digital World
Unlike corporate startups that make unilateral decisions, Up & Go operates through democratic worker governance. While this approach empowers cleaners, it also presented challenges in:
- Decision-making speed – Reaching consensus takes longer than top-down structures.
- Tech adoption – Many worker-owners were new to digital marketing and online bookings.
Despite these hurdles, Up & Go thrived—thanks to a strong community-driven development approach.
Resilience During COVID-19: A Model That Works
Like many businesses, Up & Go faced a temporary shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. But upon reopening, the cooperative saw a surge in bookings, proving that customers valued ethical business choices.
Streamlining Success: The Power of Centralized Services
One of the biggest game-changers for Up & Go was centralizing administrative support. By handling customer inquiries, scheduling, and operations, the platform freed up worker-owners to focus on providing top-tier cleaning services.
This move boosted efficiency, customer satisfaction, and business growth, proving that cooperatives can compete in the digital economy.
Advice for Ethical Entrepreneurs
For those looking to build an ethical business in the gig space, Up & Go recommends:
“Start small, build trust with your customers, and grow organically. The right mission will attract the right people.”
This long-term approach has helped Up & Go sustain its cooperative model while expanding its reach.
Creating a Supportive Work Environment
Worker-owners at Up & Go enjoy flexibility, fair pay, and a collaborative work culture. Unlike traditional gig platforms that exploit workers with hidden fees and fluctuating wages, Up & Go’s cooperative model prioritizes worker well-being.
“Being part of a cooperative means workers support each other, ensuring a healthier work-life balance,” the team shares.
Regular team meetings, training, and shared decision-making help sustain motivation and job satisfaction.
Scaling the Model: Expansion Plans and Recognition
With a successful launch in Philadelphia, Up & Go is actively expanding to new cities. Their worker-owned model has been featured in international media as an alternative to exploitative gig work.
“We’re excited to bring our cooperative platform to more workers and customers who value ethical business.”
Press Coverage
Learn more about Up & Go through these featured articles:
