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 14 June 2016

    Global condemnation of travel ban for Bahraini education union leader

    Education International has joined other international organisations in firmly condemning the travel ban imposed on Bahraini teacher unionist Jalila al-Salman as she attempted to attend the Svensson Award ceremony in Oslo, Norway.

    Global condemnation of travel ban for Bahraini education union leader
  2. News 14 June 2016

    Global appeal launched to free Canadian academic from Iranian prison

    Efforts are underway to pressure the Iranian authorities to release Canadian academic Homa Hoodfar, who is being held in Tehran’s Evin prison after being arrested on baseless charges while in the country.

    Global appeal launched to free Canadian academic from Iranian prison
  3. News 8 June 2016

    It takes a whole school, if not a whole society, to teach about human rights

    Preparing today’s learners for their multicultural reality goes well beyond teaching human rights as a stand-alone lesson in the classroom, instead requiring the creation of an environment where everyone understands, values and protects human rights.

    It takes a whole school, if not a whole society, to teach about human rights
  4. News 7 June 2016

    Universal values at heart of human rights education

    The foundation for an education based on a human rights-centric approach, encompassing universal values of understanding and tolerance, and of seeing cultural differences as opportunity rather than threat was the message today in Riga, Latvia.

    Universal values at heart of human rights education
  5. News 6 June 2016

    Ecuador: Education unions under fire

    The Ecuadorian government’s harsh attacks on trade union rights and the response by educators were put under the spotlight at the 2016 International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland.

    Ecuador: Education unions under fire
  6. News 2 June 2016

    Privatisation of education under scrutiny at ILO Conference

    The threat represented by the lack of public investment in education, the trend toward privatisation and the erosion of the fundamental labour rights of educators was put on the table at the annual ILO Conference in Geneva.

    Privatisation of education under scrutiny at ILO Conference
  7. News 31 May 2016

    International Labour Conference to address teachers’ labour rights

    With the 105th Session of the International Labour Conference about to kick-off in Geneva, Switzerland, education unions from around the world are set to strongly represent the rights and working conditions of teachers.

    International Labour Conference to address teachers’ labour rights
  8. News 31 May 2016

    Belgium: Halt to cuts in public services!

    A general strike and mass demonstrations hit Belgium today. Trade unions protested against austerity measures, including cuts in the education budget, and condemning also a breakdown of social dialogue.

    Belgium: Halt to cuts in public services!
  9. News 31 May 2016

    Safe Schools Declaration: one year on, more support and action needed

    With wars raging in many countries, the first anniversary of the Safe Schools Declaration is a reminder that political commitment is needed to protect students, teachers, and schools in times of conflict

    Safe Schools Declaration: one year on, more support and action needed
  10. News 16 May 2016

    Imprisoned Iranian trade unionist set free on bail

    Esmail Abdi, the general secretary of the Tehran branch of the Iranian Teachers’ Trade Association, has been released on bail after spending months behind bars on security charges.

    Imprisoned Iranian trade unionist set free on bail
  11. News 21 April 2016

    “Speak Truth To Power Canada” receives national award

    The online teacher resource on human rights, “Speak Truth To Power Canada”, has received this year’s Award of Outstanding Achievement in New Media by the Canadian Museums Association.

    “Speak Truth To Power Canada” receives national award
  12. News 19 April 2016

    Report reveals Boko Haram’s devastating toll on education in northeast Nigeria

    A new Human Rights Watch report shows that Boko Haram’s targeted attacks on schools, students, and teachers have affected all strata of life in Nigeria’s northeast, with education as the fault line of the conflict.

    Report reveals Boko Haram’s devastating toll on education in northeast Nigeria
  13. News 4 April 2016

    Bahrain: Teacher leader freed after five years in prison

    Earlier today, Mahdi Abu Dheeb, leader of the Bahrain Teachers Association, an EI affiliate in the country, was released from prison. He had been held in detention since 2011, when he was sentenced to a prison sentence for the simple fact of calling for a teachers’ strike in support of...

    Bahrain: Teacher leader freed after five years in prison
  14. News 17 March 2016

    Iranian teacher unionists released after global solidarity campaign

    Abdolreza Ghanbari and Ali Akbar Baghani, members of the Iranian Teacher Trade Associations, for whom Education International had launched a solidarity campaign, have been released. Ghanbari had been awaiting execution for 2 years before his sentence was commuted to 15 years’ imprisonment.

    Iranian teacher unionists released after global solidarity campaign
  15. News 10 March 2016

    Health education crucial for quality education

    Students must be seen as holistic beings, and the impact of the state of their health on their education taken into greater consideration. This was the key message highlighted by Education International at the 60th Conference of the Comparative and International Education Society.

    Health education crucial for quality education
  16. News 9 March 2016

    Tonga joins the ILO

    A hard-fought 10-year trade union battle has borne fruit with Tonga becoming the 187th member state of the International Labour Organisation.

    Tonga joins the ILO