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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 3 April 2018

    UK: education unionists in solidarity with Iranian and Argentinian colleagues

    Teacher unionists Esmail Abdi and Roberto Baradel have been recognised by the UK’s National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers for their fight for the rights of teachers and quality education in Iran and Argentina respectively.

    UK: education unionists in solidarity with Iranian and Argentinian colleagues
  2. News 29 March 2018

    Philippines: Criminalisation of indigenous leaders and human rights defenders

    Education International joins its affiliate the Alliance of Concerned Teachers in expressing alarm about the deteriorating human rights situation in the Philippines, as the country’s State Prosecutor is seeking to have teachers, Indigenous peoples’ leaders and human rights defenders declared terrorists and outlaws.

    Philippines: Criminalisation of indigenous leaders and human rights defenders
  3. Worlds of Education 28 March 2018

    The UK University Strike – union renewal in action, by Howard Stevenson.

    Howard Stevenson

    Over the last few years I have researched and written a good deal about ‘union renewal’ – the process by which unions (re-)connect with their grassroots and create vibrant, inclusive and collective cultures that empower members to be the educators they want to be, working in the systems they aspire...

    The UK University Strike – union renewal in action, by Howard Stevenson.
  4. News 27 March 2018

    The responsibility of the French-speaking public authorities in guaranteeing quality public education for all is reaffirmed

    During Global Francophonie Week, the Comité syndical francophone de l'éducation et de la formation recalled the need for democracy around the world, which necessarily requires “free quality public education funded mainly by States”.

    The responsibility of the French-speaking public authorities in guaranteeing quality public education for all is reaffirmed
  5. News 23 March 2018

    Kenya: Higher education sector maintains pressure on employers for social dialogue

    The Universities’ Academic Staff Union, an Education International’s affiliate in Kenya, is involved in a labour dispute with the employers’ federation for public universities over the negotiation and implementation of a collective bargaining agreement.

    Kenya: Higher education sector maintains pressure on employers for social dialogue
  6. News 22 March 2018

    Safe Schools for All, Social Media Toolkit

    Join the global movement of students and educators organizing to end gun violence in schools and create safe schools for all.

    Safe Schools for All, Social Media Toolkit
  7. News 22 March 2018

    We Demand Quality Education for All in Schools that are Free From Gun Violence

    As the voice of teachers and education support personnel worldwide, we stand in solidarity with the students, teachers, school staff, parents and allies as they courageously lift their voices and take action to demand a quality education for all in schools that are free from gun violence.

    We Demand Quality Education for All in Schools that are Free From Gun Violence
  8. Worlds of Education 21 March 2018

    March for Our Lives Means Black Lives Too

    Jesse Hagopian

    As this youth fueled movement to stop gun violence in schools grows, we need to truly listen to what the students are demanding. And if we listen to students we will hear that they are making important connections between the March for Our Lives and the movement for Black lives.

    March for Our Lives Means Black Lives Too
  9. News 19 March 2018

    Passing of outstanding Canadian education unionist

    Education International is sad to learn of the passing of Donald C. Savage, an inspiring educator and committed union leader. He was 85.

    Passing of outstanding Canadian education unionist
  10. News 14 March 2018

    Iranian teacher unionist arrested

    The recent arrest of a teacher and board member of the Tehran branch of the Iranian Teachers' Trade Association (ITTA) at his school starkly illustrates the continuing persecution of teacher unionists in Iran.

    Iranian teacher unionist arrested
  11. News 7 March 2018

    Mexico: SNTE Congress elects leaders and confirms unity amidst challenging times

    The Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación, in an extraordinary Congress, modified its statutes, including adopting a provision that 50 per cent of its leadership positions must be held by women. They elected their leadership and strengthened their commitment to achieve improved teachers’ working and living conditions and quality...

    Mexico: SNTE Congress elects leaders and confirms unity amidst challenging times