A Union Confederation Controlled by the Rank and File
CCU Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide a forum for small and medium sized independent unions in Canada to advocate for the advancement of worker's rights, progressive social issues, in a fair and just democracy. We believe that our unity is our strength. Solidarity is built by fostering collaborative relationships and acting together on shared interests.
A proudly democratic, Canadian union confederation
The Confederation of Canadian Unions (CCU) is the nation’s largest federation of independent labour unions. We support affiliates during disputes, difficult economic times and has established a travel pool to assist affiliates with travel expenses to ensure the greatest amount of participation by members and bottom-up democracy.
Engaged with the progressive community
The Confederation of Canadian Unions supports, participates and works co-operatively with many social activist groups, including the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Maquila Solidarity Network, Council of Canadians, the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group (ICLMG), various health coalitions, Make Poverty History, and Gathering Place, among others. We write submissions and lobby all levels of government on issues such as health care, education, pay equity, social services, forestry, fair trade, and labour standards for workers.
Read Our Aims and Objectives Below
To unite all workers in one democratic, national independent Canadian labour movement
Working Conditions
To establish a just standard of income, working hours and conditions for all who work for a living
Justice for All
To protect its members from illegal and unjust treatment
Progressive Politics
To obtain improved legislation, and just application of legislation in the interests of all workers
Economic Democracy
To promote the study, defense, and development of the economic, social and moral interests of all workers
Environmental Sustainability
To promote and develop awareness in the dangers of environmental pollution, to educate its members in the need for controls and prevention of the pollution of our environment
Expansion and Evolution
To promote the merger or affiliation of affiliated unions with related interest and principles
Collective Bargaining Rights
To aid workers in their efforts to form independent, Canadian unions, and if necessary, or requested, to regulate relations between employees and employers, including but not limited to the right to bargain collectively on their behalf and to act as a bargaining agent, after full review and concurrence of the Executive Board
Building the Labour Movement
To aid in organizing the unorganized
A Proud History of Heroes and Heroines
Above: The original founders of the Confederation of Canadian Unions at its first convention in Ottawa in July 1969
Rethinking Canadian Unions
The Confederation of Canadian Unions was founded in 1969 on the initiative of Kent Rowley and Madeleine Parent, both of whom have been called by authors and historians as two of the finest labour organizers in our country’s history.
The CCU is dedicated to the establishment of a democratic, independent Canadian labour movement free of the influence of American-based international unions. The CCU includes almost 20,000 members in affiliated unions in both the public and private sector.
The CCU has been a progressive leader in the struggle for workers’ rights and social justice for all Canadians and was the first labour federation in Canada to call for equal pay for work of equal value. The CCU and its affiliates are active in the struggle for a new world based on the ideals of equality, democracy, environmental sustainability and solidarity.
Cotton Mill, Treadmill – 1980. Directed by Denys Arcand
Cotton Mill, Treadmill, Denys Arcand, provided by the National Film Board of Canada
