03/07/2025

The National Union of Labour-Productive Cooperatives (NS of TPK) presented the book *Labour – An Enduring Value: 130 Years of Labour-Productive Cooperatives in Bulgaria* at the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.

The publication introduces readers to the history of labour-productive cooperatives, their economic and social role from 1895 to the present day, and the evolution of the National Union of Labour-Productive Cooperatives as an umbrella organization that has preserved vital, fundamental values ​​such as solidarity and care for the individual. The event marks the 130th anniversary of the establishment of the first labour-productive cooperative in Bulgaria and takes place within the framework of the International Year of Cooperatives, as declared by the United Nations.

The book *Labour – An Enduring Value: 130 Years of Labour-Productive Cooperatives in Bulgaria* was officially presented at the press center of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. Attendees included President Georgi Parvanov (2002–2012); Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy Rumyana Petkova; Vesela Politova, Director of the "Standard of Living, Demographic Policy, and Social Investments" Directorate; Zornitsa Vasileva, Chief of Cabinet to the Minister of Labour and Social Policy; the leadership and staff of the National Union of Labour-Productive Cooperatives; and chairpersons of cooperatives within the Union’s network.

*Labour – An Enduring Value* is the work of a team of authors: Vladislav Lazarov (Chairman of the National Union of Labour-Productive Cooperatives), Prof. Stefan Michev, and Neli Tomova. Prof. Michev presented the book to the audience in the hall, emphasizing that the history of Bulgaria can be told through the history of its cooperatives.

"Through your book, you inspire us all to value labor in all its forms and to work together toward creating a fairer and more sustainable society. Your example proves that when people join forces and work with dedication and passion, they can achieve significant results and leave a lasting legacy," said Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy Rumyana Petkova.

"In the spirit of the long-standing cooperation between the directorate I lead and the National Union of Producer Cooperatives (NUPC), I would like to congratulate the authors on this book; it serves as a powerful message of solidarity and care for those in need of support," stated Vesela Politova, Director of the 'Standard of Living, Demographic Policy, and Social Investments' Directorate at the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy. "We are continuously adapting tradition to new perspectives and changing market conditions, while working to shape an innovative social environment and a new generation of leaders. 'Labor – An Enduring Value' serves as our spark within the 'Cooperative Flame'—a flame ignited in anticipation of 2025, which the UN has designated as the International Year of Cooperatives," stated Assoc. Prof. Vladislav Lazarov, Chairman of the National Union of Labor-Productive Cooperatives (NULPC), addressing the audience.

Assoc. Prof. Lazarov also expressed his gratitude for the support provided by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP).

"It is highly significant that the NULPC is organizing the presentation of this work with the support and hospitality of our strategic partner, the MLSP. The fact that this is not an isolated instance—just a year ago, the exhibition marking the Union’s 105th anniversary, 'The Power of Memory,' was officially presented here—convinces us that your dedication to our cause serves as a vital indicator of the Bulgarian state’s commitment to the cooperative system within today’s economic and political landscape," he remarked.

President Georgi Parvanov also offered his best wishes for the book’s success: "The National Union possesses a keen sense of historical memory—for which I commend you. The book is written in an engaging style and is very well designed. I also applaud the carefully selected illustrations, as well as the photographic and documentary material, which further enhance the book's impact. You hold in your hands a truly interesting and high-quality publication; I wish..." ...wishing him a safe journey!”

“Labor – An Enduring Value: 130 Years of Production Cooperatives in Bulgaria” is being released in both print and electronic formats; the latter will soon be available on the website of the National Council of Production Cooperatives (NS na TPK).