Union governance: CSN challenges the law
Posted September 1, 2026 9:02 am.
The CSN is the latest union organization to challenge Quebec’s law on union governance and transparency before the Superior Court.
Several other union organizations have already filed applications challenging the same law over the past several months.
The law has attracted attention primarily because of the concept of optional union dues, in addition to regular union dues, which can be used to fund certain activities, such as participation in social movements or partisan advertising.
The new law also imposes requirements on union organizations regarding the presentation of audited financial statements, spending, and the holding of secret-ballot votes.
Like other union organizations, the CSN argues in its application that the law violates freedom of association and freedom of expression.
“The purpose of the law, which is to reduce the influence of countervailing forces and union action, substantially hinders the role of union organizations, union action and collective bargaining, namely their ability to participate in and maintain their association, all activities protected by freedom of association,” the CSN alleges in its application.
The union federation also argues that “using union dues to fund legal proceedings, partisan advertising or participation in social movements is an expressive activity in itself, conveying the opinions and messages of union organizations.”
The CSN is therefore asking the Superior Court to declare the law unconstitutional, invalid and inoperative.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
