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 29 April 2019

    Argentina: Education unions unite in national strike

    Education International extends its support and solidarity to Argentinian workers in their call for a National Strike on Tuesday, 30th April.

    Argentina: Education unions unite in national strike
  2. Worlds of Education 25 April 2019

    “Let’s spark a global discussion on copyright exceptions for education and research!”, by David Edwards

    David Edwards

    Today it’s World Intellectual Property Day – a good day to remind us that it’s time to reform copyright law. We need action to change copyright systems that are hindering free expression and failing to promote diverse and prosperous societies for the benefit of all.

    “Let’s spark a global discussion on copyright exceptions for education and research!”, by David Edwards
  3. News 24 April 2019

    UK: Solidarity, democracy and unity high on the agendas of education trade unions

    During their annual conferences, the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers and the National Education Union, both affiliated to Education International, have reasserted during their annual conferences their core values and determination to continue advocating education policies beneficial for educators and students.

    UK: Solidarity, democracy and unity high on the agendas of education trade unions
  4. News 23 April 2019

    The Republic of Moldova endorses the Safe Schools Declaration

    Education International welcomes the endorsement by the Republic of Moldova of the Safe Schools Declaration; a solemn government commitment to protect students, teachers, schools, and universities during times of violent conflict.

    The Republic of Moldova endorses the Safe Schools Declaration
  5. Worlds of Education 18 April 2019

    Sharing experience on the ILO-ITC course ‘Achieving education 2030 and eliminating child labour’

    Yamikani Mlangiza

    Yamikani Mlangiza, Assistant Programs Coordinator for Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM), accepted to reflect back for Worlds of Education on her experience attending a one-week training at the ILO International Training Center in Turin last year, with support from Education International.

    Sharing experience on the ILO-ITC course ‘Achieving education 2030 and eliminating child labour’
  6. News 4 April 2019

    The Philippines: Stop governmental harassment of education trade unionists

    In a resolution adopted at its 52th meeting, the Education International Executive Board condemns the government profiling of its member organisation in the Philippines, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), and the death threats its leaders have received.

    The Philippines: Stop governmental harassment of education trade unionists
  7. News 3 April 2019

    UK: Scapegoating teachers and other workers will not solve violent crime

    Commenting on the Downing Street Summit on violent crime, the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) has reaffirmed that violent crime involving young people is a complex issue which will not be resolved by putting additional pressures and responsibilities on educators.

    UK: Scapegoating teachers and other workers will not solve violent crime
  8. News 28 March 2019

    Costa Rica: EI condemns murder of indigenous leader

    Education International has sent out an urgent action appeal to its affiliates condemning the murder of Sergio Rojas Ortiz, an indigenous peoples’ rights activist.

    Costa Rica: EI condemns murder of indigenous leader
  9. Worlds of Education 20 March 2019

    “Time to shine a bright light on and act in the Philippines”, by David Edwards, Anthony Bellanger, and Ambet Yuson

    Anthony Bellanger, Ambet Yuson, David Edwards

    Democracy is threatened from within in many countries where authoritarian, often populist and nationalist forces have gained ground. Institutions of democracy have been attacked. The Philippines is one such country.

    “Time to shine a bright light on and act in the Philippines”, by David Edwards, Anthony Bellanger, and Ambet Yuson
  10. News 19 March 2019

    Brazil: international solidarity after Suzano school shooting

    After last week’s shooting at a school in Sao Paolo educators worldwide have shared their solidarity and grief with their colleagues, students and families in Brazil.

    Brazil: international solidarity after Suzano school shooting
  11. News 18 March 2019

    Sudan: In solidarity with human rights activists

    As strikes and protests calling for democratic change increase in Sudan, Education International expresses solidarity with the academics and unionists and supports their demands.

    Sudan: In solidarity with human rights activists
  12. News 15 March 2019

    European education union leaders in solidarity with Dutch colleagues

    The Committee of the Education International’s European region, the European Trade Union Committee for Education, has called on the public authorities of Netherlands to ensure decent working conditions and salaries for Dutch educators.

    European education union leaders in solidarity with Dutch colleagues