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 29 September 2015

    Burkina Faso: teachers' unions and civil society decisive in ending of the coup

    Together with union federations and other independent unions from Burkina Faso gathered within the Union Action Unit, Education International’s member unions strongly acted to end the recent coup that took place in the country.

    Burkina Faso: teachers' unions and civil society decisive in ending of the coup
  2. News 22 September 2015

    Nepal: successful teachers’ action opens negotiations with Ministry

    Following two months of continuous action, Nepalese teachers have been invited by the Ministry of Education to discuss crucial issues such as the public education system and rebuilding works after the earthquakes.

    Nepal: successful teachers’ action opens negotiations with Ministry
  3. News 21 September 2015

    Finland: trade union front to defend negotiation rights

    The teachers’ union Opetusalan Ammattijärjestö has joined over 30,000 workers from all sectors to demonstrate in Helsinki, Finland, to oppose the planned governmental anti-union laws anddefend trade union negotiation rights.

    Finland: trade union front to defend negotiation rights
  4. News 17 September 2015

    EI statement on the refugee situation: we must take collective action

    The people seeking refuge in Europe are among the thousands driven from their homes every year in fear of their lives because of violent conflict, political and economic instability, natural disasters, or extreme poverty.

    EI statement on the refugee situation: we must take collective action
  5. News 15 September 2015

    Liberia: teachers urged to 'stand up for your rights'

    Teachers have been challenged to take the lead in speaking out against barriers undermining the teaching profession during a three-day training workshop on ‘Teacher Effectiveness’ held in Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia.

    Liberia: teachers urged to 'stand up for your rights'
  6. News 10 September 2015

    Kenya: teachers demand overdue pay rise

    Education International strongly supports its affiliates in Kenya, who have been waiting for 18 years for a promised pay rise, recently restated by a Supreme Court decision.

    Kenya: teachers demand overdue pay rise
  7. News 10 September 2015

    Iran: Teachers face new round of government repression

    The new school year in Iran looms with threats of increased intimidation, arrest and prosecution of teachers, union activists and those who dare to speak up in favour of quality education for all.

    Iran: Teachers face new round of government repression
  8. News 7 September 2015

    Germany: inclusion in schools on the rise, but still facing challenges

    Students in Germany are increasingly sharing the same classroom regardless of their disabilities, says a new study by the Bertelsmann Foundation, but in some schools and regions, inclusion is still an out-of-reach target.

    Germany: inclusion in schools on the rise, but still facing challenges
  9. Publications

    Strengthening rights through education unions

    Human & trade union rights policy paper
    4 September 2015

    The Human and Trade Union Rights Policy Paper describes how human and trade union rights strengthen the work of education unions and provide a mandate for them to act on behalf of their members. This Policy Paper reflects the values and objectives promoted by EI through its constitution, policies and...

    Strengthening rights through education unions
    1. Download
  10. News 27 August 2015

    Nigeria: 500 Days - Chibok Parents continue search for Daughters

    As 27 August marks the 500th day since 273 Nigerian school girls were kidnapped, Education International and concerned citizens the world over continue to put pressure on the Nigerian Government.

    Nigeria: 500 Days - Chibok Parents continue search for Daughters
  11. News 25 August 2015

    Canada: Ontario high school teachers reach a deal with government

    With the school year fast approaching Ontario’s public high school teachers have agreed to terms on a new contract with the provincial government, avoiding labour action which included a ban on extracurricular activities.

    Canada: Ontario high school teachers reach a deal with government
  12. News 20 August 2015

    Yemen: Teachers and children killed in attack

    Education International joins the Global Partnership for Education and UNICEF in expressing utmost dismay at the killing of teachers and children in an airstrike in war-torn Yemen.

    Yemen: Teachers and children killed in attack
  13. News 12 August 2015

    UK: fighting student violence in schools

    Unions respond to data released by the Department for Education that shows the alarming rise of assaults on teachers by pupils, a problem that underlines the need to address student violence within education institutions.

    UK: fighting student violence in schools