Ei-iE

The 10th Education International (EI) World Congress ,meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 29 July to 2 August 2024, notes:

1. That as representatives of education unions across the globe, we unite to defend the fundamental rights of educators everywhere, including the right to organise and be a part of trade unions.

Congress believes:

2. These rights are not only essential for the well-being of education personnel but are also crucial for fostering quality education and sustainable societies worldwide. However, we are deeply concerned about the escalating attacks on trade union rights, which threaten the very foundation of our profession and the rights of education personnel internationally;
3. Trade unions have historically been instrumental in advocating for the rights and interests of education personnel on a global scale. From championing fair wages and decent working conditions to advocating for inclusive education policies, trade unions have been at the forefront of ensuring a conducive environment for teaching and learning.

Congress further believes:

4. Despite their vital role, trade unions continue to face severe challenges in the performance of their missions and attacks on their legitimacy across various countries and regions;
5. In the importance of solidarity among education personnel worldwide in the face of increasing challenges to trade union rights. By standing together in unity, education personnel can amplify their voices and advocate for policies that uphold the dignity and rights of education personnel everywhere.

Congress notes:

6. The 2023 Global Rights Index shows that key measures of violations of workers’ rights have reached record highs. Nine out of 10 countries violated the right to strike, 77% of countries excluded working people from the right to establish or join a trade union and the right to free speech and assembly was restricted in 42% of countries. There is an increase in legal measures and regulations adopted by governments that hinder or prevent the full exercise of the right to strike;
7. In Iran, more than 230 teachers were arrested for taking part in 2022’s national May Day demonstrations, with armed security forces storming groups and beating and arresting participants;
8. Mbongwa Dlamini, the President of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) was also forced into exile, following threats by security forces to harm him, after his union called for a strike on 8 August 2022. In October 2022, the government had suspended Dlamini’s salary without justification, and had also refused a check-off system for SNAT’s newly recruited members;
9. In the United Kingdom, union busting, attempts to introduce legislation curtailing the right to strike, including in the education sector, and violations of collective bargaining agreements have become systematic;
10. In Argentina, the new government has introduced measures to restrict the right to social protest, freedom of speech, and restrict people’s ability to exercise their right to petition government authorities.

Congress condemns:

11. All forms of attacks on trade union rights, including legislative measures, administrative actions, and anti-union propaganda, occurring in various countries worldwide. Such attacks undermine the fundamental rights of education personnel and threaten the integrity of the teaching profession.

Congress welcomes:

12. The publication by Education International of the Trade Union Rights Toolkit, which aims to equip education unions to formulate cases when their rights are violated and defend their cases based on the fundamental rights of the global community.

Congress urges:

13. Governments and international organisations to uphold and enforce international labour standards, including the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, as enshrined in conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO). These standards are essential for protecting the rights of workers, including education personnel, and ensuring fair and equitable working conditions globally;
14. The international community, including governments, international organisations, and civil society groups, to support education unions in their efforts to defend trade union rights and promote quality education for all. Collective action is essential to safeguarding the rights of education personnel and ensuring the future prosperity of societies worldwide;
15. Member organisations to systematically document and denounce the legal measures adopted to impede or hinder the right to strike, as well as the trade union strategies to counteract such measure.