An experienced CSN union advisor will be assigned to our collective bargaining talks, enforcing the union contract, and generally strengthening our organization, the MAWU–CSN.

With MAWU–CSN, we finally have an opportunity to negotiate a real collective agreement, based on our own democratically determined priorities. Every step will be transparent to all the members.

The CSN Health & Safety Department has a team of more than thirty people who work in three different fields: prevention, defence of injured persons, and environmental issues.

The department has union advisors who specialize in representing union members on workers’ compensation issues (CNESST / industrial accidents and diseases), industrial engineers, mental health professionals and ergonomists.

All this helps make our jobs safer and ensures that our rights are respected and that we are afforded all the supports we are entitled to when we are sick or injured.

Every MAWU–CSN member will have direct access to professional advice. Education sessions are available to help members perform OH&S duties, support decision-making and facilitate union representation.

The CSN has the largest union legal department in Canada. It is made up of a team of about 25 lawyers who work only for the CSN and are dedicated to defending workers’ rights. They plead cases before the courts in every province, up to and including the Supreme Court of Canada. We also retain outside law firms for specialized matters.

The CSN also provides criminal representation when your employer does not provide the legal assistance you are entitled to in the performance of your duties.

Experienced advisors provide support during bargaining talks. They partner with our union officers and workplace committees to implement action plans and encourage broad participation by members in the affairs of the union.

To be treated fairly at work, workers need to be able to stand up to their employers. This is a core principle for CSN unions. We need the employer to know that when we go

to the bargaining table, we’re willing to back up our demands with action. The CSN ensures that we have the support we need to do so.

Specialized communications, public relations and media relations advisors help raise awareness about our union demands in the media. They also support our internal communications and help us develop our social media presence.

The CSN’s Professional Defence Fund is a unique collective tool that helps and supports workers and their CSN union during a strike, lockout or organizing drive.

This fund is used to financially assist workers who belong to a union affiliated with the CSN or who are in the process of being organized by the CSN, and who are dismissed or suspended for union activities related to organizing, a strike, a lockout, or pressure tactics decided upon by the union.

Members can take education sessions on various practical subjects, such as grievances, the shop steward’s duties, health & safety, mobilization, etc.

CSN advisors provide support with bookkeeping and accountants can help prepare transparent financial statements and check our union’s financial health. Professionals are also available to work directly with our treasurer, if desired. In CSN unions, union finances are always transparent and open to the members.