Basque co-op Fagor Industrial is encouraging employees to swap cars for electric bikes.
The worker co-op has formed a partnership with bike manufacturer Orbea, also a Basque co-op, which entitles Fagor employees to a 25% discount for over 100 bike models.
Initially a family-owned business, Orbea became a worker co-op in 1959 after an employee buyout. It specialises in producing leisure bikes for consumers in Spain and across Europe.
Fagor Industrial, which produces kitchen and catering equipment, is part of the Mondragon Group and, over the last three years, has grown its workforce by 17%. The initiative aims to address the demand for more parking spaces as well as promote an eco-friendly alternative to driving.
Fagor employees can also pay in instalments, over 24 months, and are able to test the bikes for a week before deciding which model to go for. Around 5% of employees have already bought a bike through the scheme.
To further incentivise staff to adopt sustainable transport options, Fagor will give a €200 bonus to anyone cycling to work more than 50 times over the course of the year.
“Our priority when launching this initiative was to provide workers a social benefit,” said Jone Urzelai, president of Fagor Industrial.
“Furthermore, we had no doubts about carrying this project out with Orbea, a co-operative from Euskadi like ourselves. This initiative has allowed us to strengthen ties between the two businesses and could to encourage other companies to do the same.
“I would like to emphasise that this project is just the first phase, and that from Fagor Industrial we are committed to continue promoting respect for the environment and sustainability, recognising and rewarding the entire group that travels to work in shared car and bicycle (electric or not).”
