Problems and Strategic Options for Development of Worker Producers Cooperatives

Abstract

The worker producers cooperatives in Bulgaria have rich traditions and history. They develop and function as cooperatives of affiliated manufacturers in the field of crafts, industry and services. Established on the principles of voluntary, mutual assistance and cooperation 116 years ago, today they spur commitment to the cooperative idea in about 14 thousand Bulgarian citizens. In Bulgaria currently operate 251 worker producers cooperatives and 31 worker producers cooperatives of people with disabilities, united in the National Union of Worker Producers Cooperatives. The main purpose of this article is to present an analysis of the activity of the system of the National Union of worker producers co-operatives in Bulgaria, based on the characteristics of the cooperatives, and to define the strategic directions and priorities for its development. The article is part of the results of a research project of the University of National and World Economy, Sofia and presents results of a survey of 18% of worker producers cooperatives, 33% of worker producers cooperatives for disabled people and 26% of regional cooperative unions, members of the National Union of Worker Producers Cooperatives.