Since its founding in 1921, the Confederation of National Trade Unions has always been at the heart of social and labor struggles. Its history is closely linked to that of Quebec.
Committed to sustainable development issues, the CSN practices unionism that extends both to the union front, i.e., the defense and promotion of workers’ rights, and to political action. It is also involved in the advancement of human and social rights.
The CSN is constantly working to promote the harmonious development of Quebec, economically, socially, and environmentally. Its strategies aim to improve working conditions, social programs, and public services; create jobs; develop regions in an environmentally friendly manner; improve the living conditions of their populations; reduce socio-economic inequalities; and promote a better distribution of wealth.
Throughout its history, the CSN has been behind the creation of several economic development institutions: the Caisse d’économie solidaire, Bâtirente, MCE Conseils, Fondaction, Filaction, Neuvaction, and the Caisse d’économie Le Chaînon. This network of institutions aims to address three challenges: employment, democratization of the economy, and the use of collective savings. Committed to combining economic, social, and environmental issues in a new way, the CSN Network for Sustainable, Solidarity-based, and Socially Responsible Development is active throughout Quebec.
Autonomy, democracy, and solidarity are our values. And we want to share these values as widely as possible with our members, but also through our alliances and solidarity networks in Quebec, across North America, and around the world.
And it is thanks to the thousands of men and women who, through their activism, help make the CSN a dynamic and open movement that we are able to bring about change. That is the strength of the CSN. Each union and each member is an essential link in the confederation. We owe the strength of our organization and its ability to intervene and influence the course of events to our unions. They are the source of the strength that, day after day, improves the living and working conditions of Quebecers. It is with them that we confirm our daily commitment to work for social progress that also benefits all those who do not have the ability to organize. Our unions, federations, and central councils, united within the CSN, are an important factor in change and progress for Quebec society. They are a barrier to all those who would like to see solidarity decline.
