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 5 February 2015

    African educators: all Nigerian students deserve safe schools and quality education

    The relentless assault on Nigeria’s students, teachers and schools prompted the leader of one of the country’s education unions to call for a united response and an announcement of measures aimed at tackling the violence.

    African educators: all Nigerian students deserve safe schools and quality education
  2. News 2 February 2015

    The Gambia: Union sets up Ebola preparedness and response programme

    Education International has contributed financially to an Ebola prevention strategy in The Gambia. It has helped to fund a communications initiative led by its national affiliate, the Gambia Teachers’ Union.

    The Gambia: Union sets up Ebola preparedness and response programme
  3. News 22 January 2015

    Teachers’ strike highlights Kenya’s education challenges

    A Kenyan school made global headlines on Monday when children, some as young as seven, protesting against the seizure of their playground by property developers, were tear-gassed by police.

    Teachers’ strike highlights Kenya’s education challenges
  4. News 14 January 2015

    Anti-slavery petition sends clear message to UN Secretary General

    When Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi handed over a petition against child slavery to UN General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon, he did so with the support of half-a-million signatures and the backing of Education International.

    Anti-slavery petition sends clear message to UN Secretary General
  5. News 8 January 2015

    What the teachers of Kenya are fighting for

    The fight for decent living conditions and fair salaries are behind the closure of schools in Kenya following the walkout of the country’s public school teachers who are calling for an acceptable collective bargaining agreement.

    What the teachers of Kenya are fighting for
  6. News 7 January 2015

    Denmark’s unions receive ILO support in lockout case

    The Danish Union of Teachers has secured significant endorsement for its actions in a recent ILO decision following a complaint made by the union last August about the government’s intervention in the collective bargaining process.

    Denmark’s unions receive ILO support in lockout case
  7. News 19 December 2014

    Make 2015 the year to pursue an education without fear

    With many of you about to begin the holidays, reflect on the year that has been and prepare for the one ahead, Education International has one last request for 2014.

    Make 2015 the year to pursue an education without fear
  8. News 16 December 2014

    Teachers called to create the World’s Largest Lesson

    Education International and its global partners have launched the World’s Largest Lesson Plan, a project which invites the world’s teachers to educate and popularise the Post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, to be launched in September.

    Teachers called to create the World’s Largest Lesson
  9. News 10 December 2014

    Nobel Peace Prize headlines Human Rights Day

    On the day marked to recognise the importance of human rights around the world, Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi highlight education as an essential right, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

    Nobel Peace Prize headlines Human Rights Day
  10. News 8 December 2014

    Nobel champions join forces to help children hit by Ebola

    Nobel Peace Prize winners Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi have joined an urgent appeal to help five million children pushed out of school because of the Ebola epidemic.

    Nobel champions join forces to help children hit by Ebola
  11. News 1 December 2014

    World AIDS Day 2014: Education crucial to curbing infection rates

    As the world marks the 26th annual World AIDS Day, a renewed effort is underway to ensure that today’s youth generation receives the education they need to bring the virus to an end.

    World AIDS Day 2014: Education crucial to curbing infection rates
  12. News 27 November 2014

    Mexico: 60 days and still no answers surrounding missing students

    Despite international pressure for a thorough investigation, and demonstrations that continue to sweep the country, the fate of the 43 students who disappeared two months ago in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, remains unclear.

    Mexico: 60 days and still no answers surrounding missing students
  13. News 26 November 2014

    USA: Teacher union objects to Coca-Cola in schools

    The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has banned Coca-Cola products from its facilities and events, citing Coca-Cola's child labour and human rights record.

    USA: Teacher union objects to Coca-Cola in schools
  14. News 21 November 2014

    South Korea: Four students take their lives under stress of exams

    The recent suicides of four South Korean high school students once again have many asking what can be done to address the issue of high-stakes university entry exams and the overwhelming pressure placed upon students.

    South Korea: Four students take their lives under stress of exams
  15. News 20 November 2014

    Universal children's day: a long way ahead

    Today marks the 25th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child - a defining moment in history, when for the first time, all children around the world were viewed as human beings with their own set of rights, including the right to a quality education.

    Universal children's day: a long way ahead