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 21 October 2010

    Northern Cyprus: EI is monitoring court decision

    EI is supportive of teacher unionists in Northern Cyprus which face a condemnation by court on 25 October for protesting at funding cuts in education.

    Northern Cyprus: EI is monitoring court decision
  2. News 19 October 2010

    Chile: Miners rescued, concern remains for workers’ safety

    EI and its affiliate, Colegio de Profesores, have welcomed the successful rescue of 33 miners in Copiapó, Chile, and called on authorities to guarantee workers’ rights to health and safety in the workplace.

    Chile: Miners rescued, concern remains for workers’ safety
  3. News 11 October 2010

    EI condemns coup attempt in Ecuador

    With the overthrow of President Zelaya in Honduras still a fresh memory, EI has condemned the attempted coup in Ecuador, and expressed its commitment to defending the principle of democratically elected governments in all regions.

    EI condemns coup attempt in Ecuador
  4. News 8 October 2010

    Philippines: World Teachers’ Day violently interrupted by military

    EI is concerned to learn from Action and Solidarity for the Empowerment of Teachers (ASSERT) that elements of the Philippine armed forces used aggressive tactics against a peaceful demonstration by teachers on World Teachers’ Day.

    Philippines: World Teachers’ Day violently interrupted by military
  5. News 10 September 2010

    EI demands release of imprisoned Colombian professor

    EI has launched a global on-line petition calling on the Colombian government to release Miguel Ángel Beltrán, a university professor and trade unionist who has been imprisoned on charges that violate his basic right to academic freedom.

    EI demands release of imprisoned Colombian professor
  6. News 9 August 2010

    Korea: EI takes action to support teachers threatened by dismissal

    EI and its affiliate the Korean Teachers and Education Workers’ Union (KTU, Jeon Gyo Jo) have called for the withdrawal of a plan to dismiss 183 teachers who made private donations to a political party.

    Korea: EI takes action to support teachers threatened by dismissal
  7. News 4 August 2010

    Colombia: Teacher trade unionist killed as violations continue

    Education International has expressed dismay as news emerged that another teacher trade unionist has been killed in Colombia. This latest murder brings to 17 the total number of teachers that have been killed in 2010 alone.

    Colombia: Teacher trade unionist killed as violations continue
  8. News 4 August 2010

    China: Fatal knife attack in nursery school

    A man went on a deadly rampage as he killed at least three children and one teacher in an unprovoked knife attack at a Chinese nursery school in the city of Zibo, in the eastern province of Shandong.

    China: Fatal knife attack in nursery school
  9. News 26 July 2010

    Brazil: Rio considers bullet-proofing favela schools

    Authorities in Rio de Janeiro have come under renewed pressure to bulletproof up to 200 schools in conflict-stricken areas, after an 11-year-old boy was killed by a stray bullet during a maths lesson.

    Brazil: Rio considers bullet-proofing favela schools
  10. News 22 July 2010

    EI and Global Unions advocate for workplace action on AIDS

    EI and the Global Union Federations have been advocating for the active participation of workers in response to the AIDS pandemic as they participate in the XVIII International AIDS Conference in Vienna.

    EI and Global Unions advocate for workplace action on AIDS
  11. News 29 June 2010

    Defending independent teacher unionism in Georgia

    An EI mission visited Georgia on 22-23 June 2010 with the aim of encouraging the Government to refrain from harassing EFSTUG, the EI member organization in Georgia, and to enter into collective bargaining as recommended by the ILO.

    Defending independent teacher unionism in Georgia
  12. News 23 June 2010

    Turkish trade unionists' trial continues

    Education International has sent a strongly worded statement of solidarity to teacher colleagues from Egitim Sen and KESK in Turkey after the third hearing of their court case took place on 22 June.

    Turkish trade unionists' trial continues
  13. News 16 June 2010

    Teachers demand reinstatement of democratic rule in Honduras

    Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales, the ousted president of Honduras, has thanked teachers across the world for their support, during his meeting with the EI Regional Committee for Latin America in the Dominican Republic.

    Teachers demand reinstatement of democratic rule in Honduras
  14. News 15 June 2010

    Georgian Government still failing to respect trade union rights

    Despite the Georgian authorities’ stated commitment to respect trade union rights and the adoption of a legislative framework promoting collective bargaining, evidence is emerging that anti union initiatives continue unabated.

    Georgian Government still failing to respect trade union rights
  15. News 9 June 2010

    Teacher activists review the EFAIDS Programme in Ghana

    Thirty leaders and master trainers converged at the Volta GNAT Conference Centre in Ho, Ghana, on 8 June, 2010, at the launch of a three-day workshop to evaluate the EFAIDS programme in Ghana.

    Teacher activists review the EFAIDS Programme in Ghana
  16. News 8 June 2010

    Spain: General strike against government cuts

    The emergency economic adjustment plan approved to reduce public debt has caused a national outcry. Public sector trade unions have mobilised their members and civil society to call for a general strike in opposition to the moves.

    Spain: General strike against government cuts