After World War II, the corporatist model, which the CNV advocated was introduced in the Netherlands, this was combined with a strong welfare state.

In 1976 the NVV and NKV merged to form the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (FNV), which was led by Wim Kok.

The most important function of CNV is the CAO-talks, over wages and secondary working conditions, it holds with the employers' federations.

The CNV started out as a moderate, Christian-democratic union, which was opposed to class struggle and workers' ownership of the means of production.

Former CNV vice chair Aart-Jan de Geus served between 2002 and 2007 as CDA minister of Social Affairs and Employment for instance.