VIO.ME.

VIO.ME., an acronym for Viomichania Metalleutikon Ellados (Βιομηχανία Μεταλλευτικών Ελλάδος), which translates to "Mining Industry of Greece," was a metal manufacturing company located in Thessaloniki, Greece. It is best known for its worker-led occupation and self-management following the company's abandonment by its owners during the Greek financial crisis.

The company produced building materials, including insulation and tiles, before ceasing operations due to financial difficulties. In 2011, workers, unpaid for months, collectively decided to occupy the factory and restart production under direct democratic control.

VIO.ME. became a significant symbol of the solidarity economy and horizontal self-organization in Greece and internationally. The workers organized themselves without a traditional hierarchical management structure, making decisions collectively through assemblies. Their efforts focused on producing and distributing goods directly to consumers and building relationships with other solidarity initiatives.

The VIO.ME. case raised important questions about worker rights, the potential for alternative economic models, and the response to corporate abandonment in times of crisis. While facing numerous challenges, including legal battles and difficulty accessing capital, the VIO.ME. workers have continued their self-managed operation, seeking to create a sustainable and equitable business model based on principles of social justice and worker empowerment.