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. Publications

    Strengthening rights through education unions

    Human & trade union rights policy paper
    4 September 2015

    The Human and Trade Union Rights Policy Paper describes how human and trade union rights strengthen the work of education unions and provide a mandate for them to act on behalf of their members. This Policy Paper reflects the values and objectives promoted by EI through its constitution, policies and...

    Strengthening rights through education unions
    1. Download
  2. News 27 August 2015

    Nigeria: 500 Days - Chibok Parents continue search for Daughters

    As 27 August marks the 500th day since 273 Nigerian school girls were kidnapped, Education International and concerned citizens the world over continue to put pressure on the Nigerian Government.

    Nigeria: 500 Days - Chibok Parents continue search for Daughters
  3. News 25 August 2015

    Canada: Ontario high school teachers reach a deal with government

    With the school year fast approaching Ontario’s public high school teachers have agreed to terms on a new contract with the provincial government, avoiding labour action which included a ban on extracurricular activities.

    Canada: Ontario high school teachers reach a deal with government
  4. News 20 August 2015

    Yemen: Teachers and children killed in attack

    Education International joins the Global Partnership for Education and UNICEF in expressing utmost dismay at the killing of teachers and children in an airstrike in war-torn Yemen.

    Yemen: Teachers and children killed in attack
  5. News 12 August 2015

    UK: fighting student violence in schools

    Unions respond to data released by the Department for Education that shows the alarming rise of assaults on teachers by pupils, a problem that underlines the need to address student violence within education institutions.

    UK: fighting student violence in schools
  6. News 25 July 2015

    Human rights centre stage at Congress

    The rights of migrant teachers and girls and young women were the focus of two important resolutions passed on 24 July at Education International’s 7th World Congress in Ottawa, Canada.

    Human rights centre stage at Congress
  7. News 10 July 2015

    Indonesia: education union demands payment of teacher profession allowance

    The Teachers' Association of the Republic of Indonesia (PGRI) has asked the Government and local authorities to immediately pay the teacher profession allowance, which has been both reduced and withheld altogether is come circumstances.

    Indonesia: education union demands payment of teacher profession allowance