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. Worlds of Education 17 March 2020

    “COVID-19: educators and unions stand united and mobilise”, by David Edwards.

    David Edwards

    Today, teachers and education support personnel, union leaders the world over are coming together in myriad ways to find collective solutions to address the needs of their students, colleagues and communities despite enormous challenges and deteriorating situations.

    “COVID-19: educators and unions stand united and mobilise”, by David Edwards.
  2. News 13 March 2020

    Union tributes on passing of top Caribbean education unionist Roustan Job

    Education International has been saddened to learn of the death of Roustan Job, an outstanding education trade unionist from Trinidad and Tobago. Job relentlessly fought for teachers’ improved working conditions, professionalism, and autonomy in his region and worldwide.

    Union tributes on passing of top Caribbean education unionist Roustan Job
  3. News 12 March 2020

    Nepal: Education union takes the lead on fighting COVID-19

    The Nepal National Teachers' Association has provided teachers with information on COVID-19 during a union workshop. It is also planning to organise as many information workshops as possible for a month. These will coincide with the celebration of the country’s National Teachers’ Day.

    Nepal: Education union takes the lead on fighting COVID-19
  4. Statements 12 March 2020

    Statement | Educators must be part of the COVID-19 crisis response

    On 10 March UNESCO announced the creation of an emergency task force and community of practice that will support national responses to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis in education. Educators welcome the swift mobilisation and insist that teachers and education support personnel be included in the work of the...

    Statement | Educators must be part of the COVID-19 crisis response
  5. Statements 10 March 2020

    Statement | Governments must ensure the health crisis caused by COVID-19 does not become an education crisis

    UNESCO has convened an emergency meeting of education ministers to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on education. The meeting is taking place today, 10 March. The latest data from UNESCO show that a record number of students are currently unable to attend school.

    Statement | Governments must ensure the health crisis caused by COVID-19 does not become an education crisis
  6. News 10 March 2020

    South Africa: Union campaigns to eradicate school violence as it marks 30th anniversary

    The South African Democratic Teachers' Union has kicked off celebrations for its 30th anniversary in the Northern Cape by launching its "I am a school fan" campaign in the province. The campaign aims to address the escalating violence in schools.

    South Africa: Union campaigns to eradicate school violence as it marks 30th anniversary
  7. News 28 February 2020

    Syria: EI condemns the targeting of schools in the war

    At least 20 civilians, including children and teachers, were killed in the Idlib region of Syria in airstrikes. Many more were wounded. The attack took place on 25 February and targeted eight school facilities.

    Syria: EI condemns the targeting of schools in the war
  8. News 27 February 2020

    Philippines: Renewed attacks on teachers and their union

    Despite international solidarity, human and trade union rights abuses continue in the Philippines. The red-tagging and vilification campaign targeting members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers is escalating.

    Philippines: Renewed attacks on teachers and their union
  9. News 25 February 2020

    Ukraine: unions step up action against labour reform

    Trade unions in Ukraine are opposing a reform of the labour law that puts such basic workers’ rights as freedom of association and collective bargaining at grave risk. The dangerous provisions apply to workers and their trade unions in both public and private sectors.

    Ukraine: unions step up action against labour reform
  10. News 20 February 2020

    Haiti: Generalised violence throws education system into chaos

    As Haiti grapples with lawlessness and widespread violence, education unions warn of the terrible impact of the crisis on the country’s education system, with students, teachers and education workers in fear for their lives and schools closing down.

    Haiti: Generalised violence throws education system into chaos
  11. News 20 February 2020

    Colombia: National Strike in Defence of Peace

    The Colombian teachers' union FECODE has called for a national strike on 20 and 21 February in demand of “life, peace and democracy”.

    Colombia: National Strike in Defence of Peace
  12. News 11 February 2020

    Canada: Educators strike against cuts in education and for collective bargaining

    Rotating strikes by teachers and education workers are set to continue this week in Canada’s Ontario province. The strike started on 6 February, with negotiations between educators and the province’s government over funding and collective bargaining stalled.

    Canada: Educators strike against cuts in education and for collective bargaining
  13. News 10 February 2020

    Kenya: Deadly stampede in school highlights dangers of overcrowding and poor infrastructure

    On 3 February, a stampede in the Kakamega Primary School in Kenya's western region left 14 students dead and 40 severely injured. Kenyan education unions have reacted angrily to the factors that led to the tragedy. The unions condemned the lack of implementation of existing safety standards, and addressed the...

    Kenya: Deadly stampede in school highlights dangers of overcrowding and poor infrastructure