Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS), Kerala is one of India’s oldest and most remarkable labour cooperatives, entirely owned and managed by its dedicated member workforce. The society has an annual turnover of more than Rs. 1,400 crores and has an asset of more than Rs. 6600 crores. ULCCS has achieved success in more than 7,500 projects.
In the early 20th century in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, 14 young men with a capital of 37 paise sowed the seed of what is today known as Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS). With a direct workforce of more than 18,000 workers, apart from 1,500 engineers and a similar number of staffers and generating more than 500 employments annually, ULCCS is today the second-largest workers’ cooperative in the world. It is also the fourth largest job provider in Kerala.
The society’s expertise lies in being a Total Solution Provider (TSP) for infrastructure development and management ventures. With a rich history spanning over a century, the labour cooperative society has successfully completed more than 7500 projects, a testament to their evolution, diversification, and global recognition as a successful labour cooperative society entirely owned and managed by their members.
ULCCS’ stronghold in the construction sector is well-established, and have accomplished numerous prestigious projects for various Kerala State government departments, including finance, co-operation, local self-government, labor, information technology, tourism, and public works.
Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS) is also a testament to the power of cooperative based economic development model.
Recognizing Innovation and Excellence
In a moment of triumph for the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society Limited (ULCCS), the Kozhikode-based workers’ cooperative, the organization recently clinched the Asia Pacific Cooperative Excellence Award for the Enterprising Cooperative. This accolade reinforces ULCCS Limited’s reputation as a pioneering force in the cooperative sector, showcasing its remarkable diversification into contemporary fields such as IT and the Cyber world.
Setting Global Standards
ULCCS Limited stands as a global model for the labor cooperative movement, having achieved 13 out of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The society is committed to ending extreme poverty, reducing inequality, and fostering environmental sustainability by 2030. Upholding the principles of Economic Empowerment and Social Development, ULCCS has become a beacon of progress in the cooperative landscape.
Embracing Modernization
In a strategic response to the evolving working class landscape, ULCCS has embraced diversification into IT and related sectors. The society has successfully established subsidiaries like the UL Cyberpark, UL Technology Solutions, Sargaalaya Arts & Crafts Village, UL Education, UL Agriculture, and UL Housing, among others. These initiatives reflect ULCCS’s commitment to meeting the contemporary needs of its members while contributing to national development.
Leadership and Governance Excellence
The dedication and hands-on involvement of ULCCS’s Chairman and Board of Directors in project execution and daily operations have been crucial to its success. The organization has implemented measures and schemes to enhance the financial security of its members, reinforcing its commitment to good governance.
A Trail of Accolades
ULCCS Limited has garnered numerous accolades, including the National Award for the “Best Labour Co-operative Society in India” in 2013 conferred by the National Labour Co-operative Federation of India Ltd, New Delhi and the Regional Excellence Award for the Best Co-operative Society bestowed by the National Co-operative Union of India (NCUI) and National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) in 2018. These recognitions underscore ULCCS’s unwavering commitment to excellence in the cooperative sector.
