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 2 September 2019

    Educators for democracy and human rights: Education International joins Brussels protest in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong

    Today representatives of Education International and other trade unions staged a protest in front of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade office in Brussels to stand against recent police brutality and human rights abuses perpetrated against the people of Hong Kong.

    Educators for democracy and human rights: Education International joins Brussels protest in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong
  2. News 30 August 2019

    Iraq: education union reaffirms commitment to quality public education for all in Kurdistan

    At its 30th Executive Council meeting, the Kurdistan Teachers’ Union emphasised the need for the Iraqi region’s public authorities to ensure quality teacher training, a quality education environment and counter the rampant privatisation in the sector.

    Iraq: education union reaffirms commitment to quality public education for all in Kurdistan
  3. News 27 August 2019

    UK: GCSE results put stress on students and undermine their learning opportunities

    Following the release of the results of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), UK education unions welcome the hard work of students and all those who have supported them, including education professionals, and stress the impact of these tests on students’ well-being and the need for a broad curriculum.

    UK: GCSE results put stress on students and undermine their learning opportunities
  4. News 20 August 2019

    500 days of injustice – We must right the wrong and #FreeLula

    Today, August 20th, marks 500 days of the wrongful imprisonment of former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio ‘Lula’ da Silva. This is a day of action and mobilisation for justice. Educators from around the world stand with their Brazilian colleagues in the call for freedom for President Lula. Join us!

    500 days of injustice – We must right the wrong and #FreeLula
  5. News 25 July 2019

    EI celebrates education champions

    Today Education International honoured two outstanding activists during its 8th World Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. Curtis Riep received the Albert Shanker Education Award and Jalila al Salman received the Mary Hatwood Futrell Human and Trade Union Rights Award.

    EI celebrates education champions
  6. Worlds of Education 23 July 2019

    “Climate change action: organising to win”, by Adam Lincoln.

    Adam Lincoln

    As education trade unionists gather together for the 8th EI World Congress, it is clear that working people and students are on the front lines of climate change. Already 83 million climate-related refugees have fled from disaster. 72 million jobs are threatened. Climate change affects our brothers and sisters –...

    “Climate change action: organising to win”, by Adam Lincoln.
  7. News 22 July 2019

    Joining forces to change the world

    Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi sparked hope for change among delegates at the EI World Congress with a motivational speech on leadership, change and justice.

    Joining forces to change the world
  8. Worlds of Education 22 July 2019

    “Our Mandate”, by David Edwards

    David Edwards

    Being elected General Secretary of EI is a great honour. It is a challenge to live up to the confidence that has been given by the representatives of education workers from all regions of the world. It is also comforting to join that small team of talented leaders elected on...

    “Our Mandate”, by David Edwards
  9. News 20 July 2019

    ESN holds General Assembly prior to World Congress

    The Education and Solidarity Network (ESN), of which Education International (EI) is a founding organisation, held its General Assembly in Bangkok, Thailand on July 20. These organisations from all around the world, including education unions, share the values of solidarity and democracy as their members cooperate to improve the health...

    ESN holds General Assembly prior to World Congress
  10. Publications

    On Education & Democracy: 25 Lessons from the Teaching Profession

    Fred van Leeuwen, Susan Hopgood
    15 July 2019

    On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Education International, which currently brings together the national education unions of 170 countries representing 32.5 million educators and education support staff, we have selected 25 lessons which educators and their organisations have learnt throughout history on education and democracy.

    On Education & Democracy: 25 Lessons from the Teaching Profession
    1. Download
  11. News 13 July 2019

    United Nations: Mandate of Independent Expert on violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity renewed

    The United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted a resolution to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert focusing on protection against violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI).

    United Nations: Mandate of Independent Expert on violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity renewed