CNFIU - The History of CNFIU

The History of CNFIU

The Canadian National Federation of Independent Unions (CNFIU) was founded in 1979 by the Officers of a group of Independent Canadian Unions from across Ontario. In recognizing the advantages of pooling their resources and networking with other Independent Unions/Associations across Canada, the leaders of several Independent Unions/Associations in Ontario developed and accepted the Constitution of the Canadian National Federation of Independent Unions on May 10, 1980 which forever changed the face of the labour movement in Canada.

The mandate of the CNFIU was to assist Independent Unions/Associations to maintain and protect the integrity of their independence within the Canadian Labour Movement and to establish an organization where all Independent Union/Association representatives are able to access extensive resources, training and education in all areas of union representation.

Since the launch of the CNFIU in 1980, its founders have expanded their mandate to encompass the needs of unorganized employees who require assistance and guidance in forming their own Independent Union/Association under the banner of the Canadian National Federation of Independent Unions. This option has given unorganized employees a positive alternative to joining a large union by giving them the opportunity to form an Independent Union/Association in their own workplace. Without the assistance of the CNFIU, this option was not financially realistic for many employees who needed representation but were not prepared to join a larger international union.

In 1997, to facilitate the continuing growth of its membership and to provide Independent Unions/Associations with extra resources and expertise, the CNFIU entered into a relationship with the Labourer's International Union of North America, one of the largest and most diversified Unions in the world.

This unique relationship has resulted in CNFIU's members having the best of both worlds. CNFIU continues to protect the integrity of Independent Unions/Associations by allowing them to retain control over their own local administration and collective agreements. At the same time, members enjoy the benefits and backing of a large and powerful organization with global resources and expertise in every area of the labour market. This combination is quickly proving to be the most effective and positive type of representation in the history of the labour movement.

Since it's inception in 1980, the Independent Labour Movement has flourished, due largely in part to the Canadian National Federation of Independent Unions and the vision of its founders.