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 17 February 2015

    Educators ready to stand-up for their right to strike

    Education International has called on its affiliates to raise their voices and mobilise for the Global Action Day for the Right to Strike, a right that is increasingly being challenged by employers and governments worldwide.

    Educators ready to stand-up for their right to strike
  2. News 12 February 2015

    Italy: government sidesteps social dialogue on teachers

    Italian education unions have gone public to vent their opposition to the government’s vow of silence after calls to kick-start social dialogue on teachers’ employment conditions continue to go unanswered.

    Italy: government sidesteps social dialogue on teachers
  3. News 10 February 2015

    Girls at center of attacks on education

    According to a new report by the United Nations, schools are far from being safe places for girls, who continue to be the main target of attacks in at least 70 countries.

    Girls at center of attacks on education
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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