What is the Canadian Labour Congress?

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is an umbrella body for unions across Canada. Unions choose whether to register with the Congress. CLC represents union interests at a national and international level.

The CLC evolved over a long period of time. The Canadian Labour Union was formed in 1872 from groups that had promoted the Nine Hours Movement. In 1883, the Trades and Labour Congress evolved as successor to the Canadian Labour Union. In 1939, the Trades and Labour Congress expelled all unions affiliated with the Committee for Industrial Organizing (CIO). The American-based CIO pursued industrial union membership aggressively; some felt to the detriment of craft unions. The expelled unions formed the Canadian Labour Council. In 1956, the Trades and Labour Congress and the Canadian Labour Council merged to become the Canadian Labour Congress.

For more information, visit the Canadian Labour Congress website.

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