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 28 April 2009

    May Day: Union coalition warns Iran government off repression

    A coalition of four international trade union organisations told the Iranian government earlier this week to respect their citizens' rights and permit free assembly on May Day – a day when the Iranian authorities traditionally meet peaceful demonstrations with violence and arrests.

    May Day: Union coalition warns Iran government off repression
  2. News 27 April 2009

    EI at the GEW national congress in Germany: "Quality education for all is the key to economic recovery in all countries"

    Better employment conditions and quality education are two sides of the same coin, said Ulrich Thöne in his address to the national congress of the German education union, Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft (GEW), held in Nuremberg from 25-28 Apr.

    EI at the GEW national congress in Germany: "Quality education for all is the key to economic recovery in all countries"
  3. News 22 April 2009

    EI-PSI-ITUC Joint statement presented to the UN Durban Conference

    The joint Global Unions statement by Education International, the Public Services International (PSI) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) was presented today to the 2009 United Nations World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (WCAR) currently held from 20-24 April in Geneva, Switzerland.

    EI-PSI-ITUC Joint statement presented to the UN Durban Conference
  4. News 22 April 2009

    Burmese teacher and other unionists detained

    A Burmese teacher activist and four other trade unionists were arrested earlier this month after taking part in the historic first National Congress of the Federation of Trade Unions of Burma (FTUB).

    Burmese teacher and other unionists detained
  5. News 20 April 2009

    EI and other Global Unions show support to UN Durban Review Conference

    EI, together with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and Public Services International (PSI), adopted a statement supporting the work of the 2009 United Nations World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (WCAR) currently held from 20-24 April in Geneva, Switzerland.

    EI and other Global Unions show support to UN Durban Review Conference
  6. News 9 April 2009

    EI: The G20 Summit was just the beginning

    The G20 Summit in London last week was not a catastrophe. That, in itself, was an achievement of sorts. That the leaders of the G8 countries joined with the emerging economies, together representing 90% of the global economy and the world’s population, to produce a detailed communiqué recognizing the gravity...

    EI: The G20 Summit was just the beginning
  7. News 3 April 2009

    G20 must back promises with action

    The G20 Summit in London produced a better than expected result. Leaders recognized that the gravity of the financial crisis demanded a common commitment to re-start the world economy. They pledged “to do whatever is necessary to... restore confidence, growth and jobs.”

    G20 must back promises with action
  8. News 3 April 2009

    Two more teachers murdered in Colombia

    Ramiro Cuadros Roballo and Walter Escobar Marín, both members of SUTEV, a teacher union affiliated to FECODE, and two other trade-unionists were assassinated last month, as the violence against trade union activists continues to mount.

    Two more teachers murdered in Colombia
  9. News 31 March 2009

    NANTU organise Edu-Sector Health Day in Namibia

    The Namibian National Teacher Union (NANTU) teamed up with the Namibian Ministry of Education to host Edu-Sector Health Day in the Caprivi region.

    NANTU organise Edu-Sector Health Day in Namibia
  10. News 31 March 2009

    Counting the Cost: Education in Latin America

    As the academic year begins across much of Latin America, teacher unions continue their campaigns to overcome challenges to quality education. In Argentina, Colombia and Brazil, unions tackle a range of issues from educational funding to teacher rights.

    Counting the Cost: Education in Latin America
  11. News 31 March 2009

    Swazi Union Speaks Out Against Stigma

    The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) knows firsthand the challenges of talking HIV/AIDS in a country believed to have the highest incidence of AIDS worldwide.

    Swazi Union Speaks Out Against Stigma
  12. News 31 March 2009

    HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy Drawn up by Dominica Union

    The Dominica Association of Teachers launched their Policy on HIV/AIDS for the Teaching Profession in January 2009. The Workplace Policy developed from a process of consultation between the union executive, teachers and People Living with HIV and AIDS.

    HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy Drawn up by Dominica Union
  13. News 31 March 2009

    Ghana: Research leads to new Policy Initiatives

    The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the Teachers & Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) have developed both a ‘HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy’ and ‘Policy Recommendations for Achieving Education For All’.

    Ghana: Research leads to new Policy Initiatives
  14. News 31 March 2009

    Teacher Unions Essential Partner in HIV Education

    UNESCO’s recent publication ‘Heroes and villains’ assesses the interaction between the education sector and the AIDS crisis, and highlights the important contribution of teacher unions and the valuable work of the EI EFAIDS Programme in guiding union strategies on AIDS related issues.

    Teacher Unions Essential Partner in HIV Education
  15. News 31 March 2009

    Interview with General Secretary of UNATU

    Teopista Birungi Mayanja, Secretary General of the Uganda National Teachers Union speaks about progress on achieving quality education and responding to HIV and AIDS under the EFAIDS Programme.

    Interview with General Secretary of UNATU
  16. News 25 March 2009

    Schools must remain safe sanctuaries

    The Executive Board of Education International unanimously adopted a declaration calling on the international community, governments, and all parties to conflicts to recognise and respect the right of all children and adults to a safe education in a peaceful environment, and to respect education institutions as safe sanctuaries.

    Schools must remain safe sanctuaries
  17. News 24 March 2009

    Condom use central to the AIDS response

    Education International (EI) reaffirms that correct and consistent use of condoms is an integral aspect of an effective HIV prevention strategy.

    Condom use central to the AIDS response