Ei-iE

Peter Marshall / Demotix Images
Peter Marshall / Demotix Images

Trade union rights are human rights

Trade unionists are far too often subject to attacks by repressive governments. Every year, many are subjected to violence, arrest and imprisonment, torture and even murder. Trade union leaders in education are targeted by non-democratic governments who seek total control of education, and deny teachers and education support personnel their rights.

Even in democratic countries, many education workers are denied the right to join unions and/or engage in collective bargaining. Where bargaining exists, limits on its scope can be imposed. Moreover, teachers and education support personnel are denied the right to strike.

Education International also supports the right of students to organise and join the fight for more inclusive and democratic communities.

Working closely with our member organisations, other global unions and human rights networks, we use supervisory mechanisms at the national, regional and global levels to ensure rights and standards are respected and social dialogue is effective.

Solidarity actions among our global membership are a powerful tool to advance rights everywhere.

Our work in this area

  1. News 19 January 2018

    Education International stands in support of Roberto Baradel facing threats

    Education International, the global teachers‘ federation which represents over 32 million members in 173 countries, has been informed by its Argentinian affiliate, the Confederación de Trabajadores de la Educación de la República Argentina of new anonymous threats against the SUTEBA General Secretary, Roberto Baradel.

    Education International stands in support of Roberto Baradel facing threats
  2. News 16 January 2018

    DRC: United action to strengthen education unions

    Education unions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have launched a joint programme for study circles in schools aimed at revitalising teacher trade unionism.

    DRC: United action to strengthen education unions
  3. News 11 January 2018

    Iranian education union leader Esmail Abdi released on furlough

    Education International has been notified that Tehran teacher union leader Esmail Abdi was released on furlough from Evin prison on 9 January, a temporary reprieve from his six-year sentence.

    Iranian education union leader Esmail Abdi released on furlough
  4. News 10 January 2018

    Iraq: Union continues support for region devastated by earthquake

    The Kurdistan Teachers’ Union in Iraq was quick to support colleagues and the education system in eastern and southern Iraq after its devastation by an earthquake late last year.

    Iraq: Union continues support for region devastated by earthquake
  5. News 9 January 2018

    UK: Unions call for increased dialogue with new Education Secretary

    Following the reshuffle of the UK government by Prime Minister Theresa May, educators have welcomed the nomination of Damian Hinds as Education Secretary, and anticipate an ongoing social dialogue with him.

    UK: Unions call for increased dialogue with new Education Secretary
  6. News 12 December 2017

    The Netherlands: Strike action to protect quality primary education

    Dutch educators are on strike today (12 December), demanding decent salaries and a normal workload. They are also urging the government to clearly and firmly address burn out and a shortage in teachers in primary education.

    The Netherlands: Strike action to protect quality primary education
  7. News 30 November 2017

    El Salvador: 71st country to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration

    Education International welcomes the move by El Salvador to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration, committing itself to protect students, teachers, schools, and universities during times of violent conflict.

    El Salvador: 71st country to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration
  8. News 28 November 2017

    Europe: educators unite for refugee children

    Teachers in Germany and Spain are facilitating the integration of refugee children through the classroom, and now have clear demands for policymakers.

    Europe: educators unite for refugee children
  9. News 27 November 2017

    16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence 2017

    This year’s campaign turns its focus toward ending gender-based violence in education by continuing the momentum and achievements built up over a year that saw more than 700 organisations in 92 countries voice their support.

    16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence 2017
  10. News 24 November 2017

    One story at a time, violence against women is thrust into the spotlight

    The wave of revelations of sexual harassment and abuse of women from all walks of life marks a tipping point in tackling gender-based violence, and that effort begins in classrooms around the world.

    One story at a time, violence against women is thrust into the spotlight
  11. Worlds of Education 23 November 2017

    The child at the centre: the Scottish experience on health and wellbeing in schools

    Goof Buijs

    Scotland is one of the leading countries in the world when it comes to promoting the health and well-being of school-aged children. Since Scotland got its own parliament in 1999, the Scottish Government has full responsibility for its education system. Top priority in the national policy is to reduce health...

    The child at the centre: the Scottish experience on health and wellbeing in schools