People’s Plumbing is a worker-owned cooperative based in Cleveland that offers plumbing and home repair services through a gift economy model.
Founded by longtime plumber and community organizer Cristobal Van Breen in 2023, the co-op grew out of a belief that access to clean water and safe housing are human rights. Cleveland has no shortage of plumbing and repair needs, which keeps the workers at People’s Plumbing busy with everything from leaky faucets to major sewer line replacements.
In 2026, they aim to continue growing while meeting financial goals such as paying a living wage of $26 per hour and expanding health care and other benefits. The cooperative currently employs four workers, including an anti-authoritarian organizer (working to oppose oppressive power structures), who are paid $18 per hour and receive medical benefits…