Confederation of Canadian Unions (CCU)
The largest association of democratic, independent unions in the country.
The Power of Solidarity: PPWC Local 15 and the Confederation of Canadian Unions
Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC) Local 15 is proud to be a member of the Confederation of Canadian Unions (CCU)—a national federation of democratic, independent, and member-driven unions committed to defending workers’ rights, advancing social justice, and protecting the future of Canada’s labour movement.
CCU - An organization that puts Canadian workers first
In a time of growing corporate concentration, attacks on union rights, and aggressive raids by U.S.-based “business” unions, belonging to a strong, principled Canadian labour federation matters more than ever. Through the CCU, PPWC Local 15 stands shoulder to shoulder with like-minded unions across the country that believe unions should be accountable to their members—not employers, politicians, or international headquarters outside Canada.
Standing Together, Moving Forward
The Confederation of Canadian Unions is a national federation representing independent, autonomous unions from coast to coast to coast. Unlike centralized labour bodies that concentrate power at the top, the CCU is built on the principle that real union strength comes from the grassroots—from informed, engaged members and democratically elected leadership.
CCU affiliates retain full control over their constitutions, finances, bargaining strategies, and political priorities. The federation exists not to dictate, but to support, coordinate, and amplify the voices of its member unions. For PPWC Local 15, membership in the CCU means being part of a broader movement that shares our values of democracy, independence, transparency, and militancy in defence of workers.
One of the most powerful benefits of CCU membership is the opportunity to learn from other independent unions that face similar struggles in different sectors and regions. Through CCU conferences, meetings, committees, and informal collaboration, PPWC Local 15 gains access to a wealth of practical knowledge. This culture of cooperation strengthens every affiliate and reinforces the idea that unions are strongest when they share knowledge—not compete with one another.
Defending Workers’ Rights and Advancing Social Justice
The CCU is unapologetically committed to workers’ rights and social justice. It recognizes that unions do not exist in isolation from the broader struggles facing working people, including inequality, climate change, systemic discrimination, and the erosion of public services. This shared commitment ensures that PPWC Local 15 is part of a labour movement that fights not only for better contracts, but for a fairer and more democratic society.
Protecting Canadian Unions From U.S. “Business” Union Raids
One of the most pressing challenges facing Canadian unions today is the increasing presence of U.S.-based “business” unions that treat workers as dues streams rather than active participants in their own unions. The CCU was founded in part to defend Canadian workers from this model. As a federation of Canadian-based, independent unions, the CCU promotes a vision of unionism rooted in democracy, accountability, and solidarity—not corporate management styles imported from south of the border.
Independence With Solidarity
PPWC Local 15’s affiliation with the CCU reflects a belief that independence and solidarity are not polar opposites—they are complementary. Independence ensures that Local 15 members control their union. Solidarity ensures that we will never walk alone. Through the CCU, PPWC Local 15 can act independently while benefiting from collective strength when it matters most—during strikes, lockouts, political fights, or industry crises.
A Democratic Alternative in the Labour Movement
At a time when many workers feel disconnected from large, centralized institutions, the CCU offers a democratic alternative within the labour movement. Decisions are made collectively. Leaders are accountable. Affiliates have real voices, not token representation. This approach aligns directly with PPWC Local 15’s commitment to: member-driven unionism, open debate and transparency, active participation, not passive membership, leadership that serves, not rules.
Building a Stronger Future for Workers
The challenges facing Canadian workers are real: employer consolidation, precarious work, climate transition, privatization, and political attacks on unions. Facing these challenges requires more than isolated efforts—it requires organized, principled, national solidarity. PPWC Local 15’s membership in the CCU is about more than affiliation—it is about values. It is about choosing a labour movement rooted in democracy, solidarity, and independence.
Strength in Numbers: The Benefits of a Federation of Independent Unions
Belonging to the CCU connects PPWC Local 15 to a growing network of independent unions representing workers in forestry, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, education, and the public and private sectors. This collective strength provides tangible benefits, including:
Shared expertise and best practices
in collective bargaining, grievance handling, health and safety, and organizing
Strategic coordination
during major labour disputes, political campaigns, or industry-wide challenges
Mutual solidarity
when affiliates face employer attacks, government rollbacks, or union raids
A stronger national voice
advocating for Canadian workers and unions who share common interests
See the Documentary
The Confederation of Canadian Unions (CCU) was founded in 1969 on the initiative of Madeleine Parent and Kent Rowley, two of the finest labour organizers in the country’s history. Recently, the CCU has benefited from an energized rank and file membership, a bold communications and organizing strategy, and a number of new affiliates joining in just the last two years.
This documentary, called “The Voice for Independent Unions in Canada,” illustrates the CCU’s dedication to the establishment of a democratic, independent labour movement, its newfound working relationship with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), and its commitment to growth and renewal.
The documentary also focuses on the struggles of labour activists inside the CCU, its proud history, its work with social justice activists in Canada and around the globe, and the new economic challenges of wage stagnation and growing inequality.
The CCU has been a progressive leader in the struggle for workers’ rights and social justice for all Canadians, and remains the only federation of small and medium sized, independent unions from throughout the country.
Director and Editor: Sean Cain
Executive Producer: Joanie Cameron Pritchett
