The centre is politically tied to the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and has been denied official recognition several times in the past.
The Cambodian Independent Teachers' Association (CITA) and the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia (FTUWKC) are affiliated with the centre.
The CCU is opposed to the government of Hun Sen and is vocal on a wide range of issues, from workers' rights to corruption and national territory.
CCU again applied for official recognition in 2012, but was denied again because some of its affiliated unions represent teachers, which are not protected under Cambodia's Labour Law.
[6] In 2018, the CCU threatened protests if Cambodia's government did not adhere to the EU demand of a political solution between the ruling CPP and the CNRP.