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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. News 7 February 2020

    Cameroon: Unions denounce ongoing violence in schools

    Teachers’ representative organisations in Cameroon are united in demanding security in schools in a country “badly shaken by an unprecedented and wave of intolerable violence” at the beginning of the year.

    Cameroon: Unions denounce ongoing violence in schools
  12. News 6 February 2020

    Arab educators tackle diverse challenges to education and teachers in their region

    At a recent meeting, the Committee of the Education International’s Arab Countries Cross Regional Structure reaffirmed their commitment to fight education privatisation and defend democracy in the region. Committee members reported on the challenges faced in their national settings, discussed recent union activities, and strategised for future action and campaigns.

    Arab educators tackle diverse challenges to education and teachers in their region
  13. News 4 February 2020

    Ireland: Teachers strike for equal pay

    A strike in secondary schools in Ireland has seen hundreds of establishments closed as teachers all over the country demand an end to pay discrimination.

    Ireland: Teachers strike for equal pay