The MILA Hands-On shifts. A look behind the scenes.

Members take on various tasks during their shifts to ensure the supermarket runs smoothly. These include, for example:

• Deliveries: Receiving goods, checking delivery notes and storing goods in the warehouse
• Reception: Checking membership cards, providing information to customers, and looking after the fruit and vegetable section
• Restocking shelves and checking best-before dates
• Scanning products at the till
• Cleaning: ensuring the supermarket is tidy and clean

Shifts take place during the supermarket’s opening and delivery hours. The exact rota depends on the supermarket’s operations. Depending on requirements, varying numbers of members are on duty at the same time. So, don’t worry! There are always several members on a shift in the supermarket.

A small proportion of shifts also involve tasks outside the supermarket, e.g. working in the members’ office, drafting member communications, social media and IT tasks, assisting with bookkeeping, and maintenance or repair work.

Each member signs up for a volunteer shift independently via our member platform, mein.mila.wien. Most members have scheduled their volunteer shifts on a fixed four-week cycle (e.g. every Friday from 11am to 2pm). This really helps everyone keep track of things, organise the supermarket’s operations and makes long-term planning easier. So, if you’d like to take on a fixed volunteer shift right away, we’d love to have you! However, there are also more flexible shifts available as ‘stand-ins’. These are usually posted at short notice via a Signal group when there’s a sudden absence.

There’s already plenty of information about your first shift on our members’ platform. There are checklists and regular induction sessions. You’ll never be on your own; in the mini-market, there will always be at least two of you on a shift. In the main supermarket, the shift teams are larger. There will be shift coordinators on hand to explain everything clearly.

We know that volunteering shifts can be a challenge for some people. That’s why we look for individual solutions for those in special circumstances or facing difficult situations. If you have specific needs (such as difficulty standing for long periods, visual impairments, or difficulty lifting heavy objects), simply send an email in advance to the membership office (mitmachen@mila.wien); we will find a solution and a suitable shift for everyone. At MILA, we strive to make participation possible for everyone. So-called ‘buddy shifts’ could offer additional support at MILA in the future. A buddy is a member who supports another member so that they can get through the volunteer shift together. Exemptions may also be granted – for example, in the event of illness, advanced age, significant care responsibilities, or if you have recently had a baby. Get in touch; we’ll find a suitable solution. All matters will be treated confidentially.

If you are no longer able to attend the volunteer shift, you can apply for an exemption. Please contact the membership office (mitmachen@mila.wien) to do so. Exemptions are possible under the following circumstances:

General exemption available

• Members aged 70 and over are eligible for a permanent exemption.
• In the case of chronic illness, impairment or disability (e.g. physical disability), a permanent exemption is possible.

Temporary exemption possible

• In the case of maternity leave, an exemption is possible for the duration of the maternity leave.
• New parents following the birth, adoption or fostering of a child may be exempted for 12 months. New parents of twins may be exempted for 24 months.
• Single parents may be fully exempted until the child or children reach the age of 6, and thereafter exempted from half of the shifts until the child or children reach the age of 11.
• In the event of the death of a close relative, an exemption for 3 months is possible.
• In the event of illness or disability (e.g. injury, depression, Long Covid), an exemption is possible for the duration of the illness or disability.
• When caring for relatives and close friends with a (chronic) illness or disability, an exemption is possible for the duration of the care.

You do not need to provide any proof for a general or temporary exemption from voluntary shifts. However, you agree to provide supporting documents on request in specific circumstances (e.g. in the event of a concrete suspicion of abuse). If your situation does not match any of the listed cases and you require an exemption from a shift, please contact the membership office. The exemptions listed are merely the current list, which may be expanded further. Get in touch, and we will find a suitable solution. All matters will be treated confidentially.

Yes, as an active MILA member, you can designate a person of your choice as your co-shopper. This person does not need to be a member of the cooperative, but they are still allowed to shop at MILA. However, for legal reasons, your co-shopper cannot take over your volunteer shifts. Get your card for your co-shopper now. Simply send the name and address of your chosen person to mitglied@mila.wien and we’ll issue the card! You can then collect it from the members’ office or at the till.

Your membership card won’t just be used for checking in at the supermarket later on; it can already be used as a payment method. You can top up your card with credit. Simply top it up by paying the desired amount at the checkout in the mini-market (preferably in cash) – the amount will be credited directly to your card. This helps us save on the fees charged for every ATM transaction! For your peace of mind: if you lose your card with credit on it, don’t worry. Your credit is stored with us. We’ll block your old card and issue you with a new one straight away. Just send an email to mitglied@mila.wien.