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 3 April 2007

    Urgent Action Appeal: Detained Ethiopian Teachers Finally Released!

    The three elected officers of the Ethiopian Teachers Association (ETA) detained since December 2006 have finally been released on 22 March. Tilahun Ayalew, Meqcha Mengistu and Antenech Getenet were detained and tortured by the police for over three months. They were freed from custody when they last appeared in court...

    Urgent Action Appeal: Detained Ethiopian Teachers Finally Released!
  2. News 2 April 2007

    Thailand: Stop the killing of teachers and children

    EI sent a message to the Prime Minister of Thailand on 30 March, expressing its concerns about the level of violence in the south of the country. According to the UN, over 2000 lives have been lost in the past 3 years, including those of 60 teachers.

    Thailand: Stop the killing of teachers and children
  3. News 30 March 2007

    Botswana: International trade union delegation defends Radibe's case

    Representatives from EI, the Southern African Teacher Organisation (SATO) and the Southern African Trade Union Co-ordinating Council (SATCC) are currently in Botswana to show solidarity with the President of the Botswana Teachers' Union (BTU), Japhta Radibe.

    Botswana: International trade union delegation defends Radibe's case
  4. News 23 March 2007

    Global Unions launch Zero Cancer campaign

    The Global Unions launched the Zero Cancer campaign in Geneva, Switzerland on 23 March with a occupational cancer prevention guide for workers.

    Global Unions launch Zero Cancer campaign
  5. News 23 March 2007

    Guatemala: Stop repression, start negotiation, demands EI

    EI has written to the President of Guatemala on 21 March supporting the demands of its member organisation, the Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Educación de Guatemala (STEG).

    Guatemala: Stop repression, start negotiation, demands EI
  6. News 23 March 2007

    ILO Committee backs New Approach to Key Outreach Activities

    In Geneva, the Committee on Sectoral and Technical Meetings (STM) of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Governing Body approved on 19 March a new approach to activities that takes ILO's agenda out into the workplace.

    ILO Committee backs New Approach to Key Outreach Activities
  7. News 15 March 2007

    African Teachers’ Unions Review EFAIDS Programme

    EI representatives visited teachers’ unions in Eastern and Southern Africa at the end of February to review the EFAIDS activities undertaken in 2006 and to plan for EFAIDS activities in 2007.

    African Teachers’ Unions Review EFAIDS Programme
  8. News 15 March 2007

    BUT/Barbados heralds progress on HIV and AIDS in the workplace

    The BUT/Barbados has reacted positively to the Government of Barbados’ announcement on plans to introduce anti-discrimination legislation this year for people living with HIV/AIDS. If properly implemented, the new laws would signify a considerable step forward for the movement to ensure greater protection for HIV positive teachers and workers in...

    BUT/Barbados heralds progress on HIV and AIDS in the workplace
  9. News 15 March 2007

    EFAIDS Brochure: now available in three languages

    The EFAIDS Brochure outlines the response by teachers and teachers’ unions to Education for All and HIV and AIDS. It is now available in all of EI’s official languages – English, French and Spanish.

    EFAIDS Brochure: now available in three languages
  10. News 13 March 2007

    Zimbabwe: EI condemns the beating of opposition leaders

    EI was shocked by the use of force at a church-led prayer rally in Harare last Sunday which resulted in one death and many casualties, including women and children.

    Zimbabwe: EI condemns the beating of opposition leaders
  11. News 9 March 2007

    Turkey: Egitim-Sen offices attacked

    Arsonists have attacked and destroyed the offices of the Sakarya branch of EI member organisation Egitim-Sen. Fortunately no one was hurt in the incident.

    Turkey: Egitim-Sen offices attacked
  12. News 15 February 2007

    Netherlands: Former AOb Presidents appointed to new Dutch government

    A new government is being formed after the coalition agreement was presented on 7 February. Two former Presidents of the Algemene Onderwijsbond (AOb) Ella Vogelaar and Jacques Tichelaar were appointed to important positions in the new government.

    Netherlands: Former AOb Presidents appointed to new Dutch government
  13. News 12 February 2007

    EFAIDS Committee Member Located

    Last month we reported on the disappearance of Meqcha Mengistu, Chairperson of the Ethiopian Teachers’ Association (ETA) East Gojam Zonal Executive and member of the ETA Committee for the implementation of the EI/ETA EFAIDS Programme. Mr. Mengistu has now been located and is awaiting trial.

    EFAIDS Committee Member Located