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 8 December 2005

    Global Unions produces report on successful trade union campaigns

    Together with Bureau for Workers' Activities at the International Labour Organisation (ILO ACTRAV) and the Global Union Research Network (GURN), the Global Unions have produced a report on successful cases of trade union resistance and the development of alternatives to the policies of the International Financial Institutions (IFI).

    Global Unions produces report on successful trade union campaigns
  2. News 6 December 2005

    EI Statement on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day on 10 Dec 2005

    "Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance...

    EI Statement on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day on 10 Dec 2005
  3. News 5 December 2005

    Ireland: Teacher Unions Show Solidarity with Ferry Workers

    Members of EI affiliates the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI), Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) and Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) will attend demonstrations on 9th December in support of Irish Ferry Workers.

    Ireland: Teacher Unions Show Solidarity with Ferry Workers
  4. News 5 December 2005

    Cambodia: Appeals Court Denies Rong Chhun Bail

    The appeals court has denied bail to Rong Chhun, the president of the Cambodian Independent Teachers’ Association (CITA), who has been imprisoned by the Cambodian authorities since his arrest on 15 October.

    Cambodia: Appeals Court Denies Rong Chhun Bail
  5. News 2 December 2005

    UK: Affiliates Agree to Union Merger

    Members of EI affiliates NATFHE and the AUT have voted overwhelmingly for their unions to merge and create the world’s largest union for post-school academic and academic-related staff, with more than 110,000 members.

    UK: Affiliates Agree to Union Merger
  6. News 1 December 2005

    World AIDS Day 2005

    On World AIDS Day, EI is encouraging its affiliates to organise nationwide activities on the theme "Education for Life" and to impel entire communities to take part in World AIDS Day celebrations and initiatives.

    World AIDS Day 2005
  7. News 16 November 2005

    EI writes in support of Cypriot affiliate

    EI have today written to Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat, Leader of the Turkish Cypriot Community, in support of affiliate KTOEÖS.

    EI writes in support of Cypriot affiliate
  8. News 16 November 2005

    Ethiopia: Urgent Action Appeal Update

    Harassment against the Ethiopian Teachers' Association (ETA) is continuing. On 12 and 14 November, ETA offices in Addis Ababa, in particular the offices of Mr Kassahun Kebede (Chairman of the Addis Ababa branch of the ETA) and Dr Taye Woldesmiate (ETA President), were searched by the police after the latter...

    Ethiopia: Urgent Action Appeal Update
  9. News 15 November 2005

    Zimbabwe: Hunger Causing Pupils to Drop Out of School

    Teachers' organisations have expressed concern over the increasing number of school children who are dropping out of school because of hunger. Some pupils are passing out during lessons because of hunger, after going for days without a proper meal.

    Zimbabwe: Hunger Causing Pupils to Drop Out of School
  10. 2 November 2005

    Reprieve for Turkish union, Egitim-Sen

    There were muted celebrations in Ankara today (on Thursday, 27th October) among trade union members generally and members of Egitim-Sen, in particular, when the Judge in the Second Labour Court announced his decision that the union did not have to close down because it had removed the article from its...

    Reprieve for Turkish union, Egitim-Sen
  11. 26 October 2005

    HIV/AIDS: Global Unions aim for G8 Action

    Global trade union bodies last Friday adopted a plan of action to press for greater government action on HIV/AIDS, including a strategy to make leaders of G8 countries live up to promises made at last July's Gleneagles Summit in the United Kingdom.

    HIV/AIDS: Global Unions aim for G8 Action
  12. 31 August 2005

    14-16 September at the UN: Will the MDGs fall by the wayside?

    Five years ago, one of the greatest summits in history brought together national leaders at the United Nations. They approved an agenda for building a better world – the Eight Millennium Development Goals – including Education for All – to be achieved in all nations by the year 2015. [see...

    14-16 September at the UN: Will the MDGs fall by the wayside?
  13. 24 March 2005

    Kenya: Time Now for Universal Secondary Schooling?

    A recent statement by the Kenyan government that many students who graduated from primary school last year will not find places in the country's secondary schools has generated widespread concern.

    Kenya: Time Now for Universal Secondary Schooling?