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 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. News 12 February 2007

    EI South Asian Roundtable addresses HIV and AIDS

    In December EI organised a round table meeting to raise awareness among its membership on the role of teachers and teachers unions in the fight against HIV and AIDS in the South Asian sub-region.

    EI South Asian Roundtable addresses HIV and AIDS
  8. News 12 February 2007

    Teachers Matter: New Report on HIV in Kenya

    A new study conducted by the Population Council/Horizons Programme finds that teachers are being neglected by initiatives to prevent the spread of HIV and recommends further action to train and provide services to teachers on HIV prevention, care and support and the reduction of stigma.

    Teachers Matter: New Report on HIV in Kenya
  9. News 8 February 2007

    International Master Programmes on Labour and Globalisation for Trade Unionists now open for Application

    As part of the Global Labour University network, EI would like to inform its members that the next academic year of Global Labour University (GLU) is now open for applications. Two Master prgrammes on Labour and Globalisation for trade unionists are offered in 2008-2009 by the network, formed by the...

    International Master Programmes on Labour and Globalisation for Trade Unionists now open for Application
  10. News 7 February 2007

    ASEAN Trade Union Rights Workshop received region-wide support

    A Trade Union Rights Workshop which was held from 14-16 Jan 2007 for EI member organisations from the Southeast Asian region received widespread support from participants from all corners of the region.

    ASEAN Trade Union Rights Workshop received region-wide support
  11. News 30 January 2007

    EI welcomes launch of European Year of Equal Opportunities for All

    On 30 and 31 January 2007 in Berlin, 450 delegates from across Europe will attend the first ever European Equality summit to mark 2007 as European Year of Equal Opportunities as designated by the European Commission.

    EI welcomes launch of European Year of Equal Opportunities for All