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. 22 December 2009

    More Rights, Fewer Violations

    Southeast Asian teachers who face violations of their trade union rights now have a new line of defence and a new source of solidarity. The EI Trade Union Rights Network (TURN) is really getting off the ground since representatives from member organisations in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand have...

    More Rights, Fewer Violations
  2. 22 December 2009

    Now, this time, another world is possible

    “We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning.” U.S. President Barack Obama, Cairo, 4 June 2009

    Now, this time, another world is possible
  3. News 15 December 2009

    Iran: Farzad Kamangar still at risk of being executed

    Jafar Ebrahimi, the teacher trade unionist that was held in jail simply for trying to organise a union meeting, was freed on bail in December. However, EI remains concerned about the continued detention of Farzad Kamangar, Rasoul Bodaghi and Hashem Khastar. EI addressed a letter to the Supreme Leader Ali...

    Iran: Farzad Kamangar still at risk of being executed
  4. News 14 December 2009

    One Ethiopian colleague still detained

    Thanks to the constant pressure of the international community, many of the detained colleagues from the former ETA (now NTA) have been released. Only one, Meqcha Mengistu, is still held captive in Kality prison in Addis Ababa.

    One Ethiopian colleague still detained
  5. News 14 December 2009

    African teacher unions pledge continuing activism for HIV/AIDS and EFA

    Teacher union activists working on the EI EFAIDS Programme gathered in Grand Bassam in Cote d’ Ivoire from 7 – 11 December 2009 to assess their progress to date on educating for HIV prevention and working to achieve EFA, and to plan a full programme of activities for 2010.

    African teacher unions pledge continuing activism for HIV/AIDS and EFA
  6. News 14 December 2009

    Interview with Denis Burke of the World AIDS Campaign

    Denis Burke of the World AIDS Campaign emphasises the importance of approaching HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment work from a human rights perspective.

    Interview with Denis Burke of the World AIDS Campaign
  7. News 10 December 2009

    International Human Rights Day: EI condemns attacks on Somali graduation ceremony

    As the world marks 10 December, International Human Rights Day, Education International once again asserts that the right to education is a fundamental and inalienable right of every person, and denounces last week’s bombing of a graduation ceremony in Somalia.

    International Human Rights Day: EI condemns attacks on Somali graduation ceremony
  8. News 3 December 2009

    EI launches Declaration on Schools as Safe Sanctuaries

    Acid attacks on Afghan girls, drive-by shootings of Colombian teachers, assassination of Iraqi academics and students, arson of schools in Thailand: These are only a few examples of the increasing violent political and military attacks on education. Urging the world to protect and defend education, EI has issued a formal...

    EI launches Declaration on Schools as Safe Sanctuaries
  9. News 1 December 2009

    World AIDS Day 2009: Teachers commitment strong as universal access deadline looms

    As 2010 the target year for the fulfilment of universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support approaches teacher unions around the world are using World AIDS Day 2009 as an opportunity to redouble their work on AIDS and equally to petition governments to make the investment necessary to overcome...

    World AIDS Day 2009: Teachers commitment strong as universal access deadline looms
  10. News 17 November 2009

    Teacher unions condemn principal’s beheading

    Teacher unions around the world are condemning the kidnapping and brutal murder of an elementary school principal in the Philippines.

    Teacher unions condemn principal’s beheading
  11. News 22 October 2009

    Fiji authorities further infringe trade union rights of teacher association

    Tevita Koroi, President of Fijian Teachers Association, has been officially informed by the Ministry of Education that he will no longer be accepted as the representative of the FTA at major institutional education forums.

    Fiji authorities further infringe trade union rights of teacher association
  12. News 10 October 2009

    Education International against the death penalty: Teach abolition!

    10 October is the World Day Against the Death Penalty. This year, actions and initiatives across the globe focus on “Teaching abolition.” Education International supports these activities and joins other unions, NGOs and individuals in their fight for the abolition of the death penalty.

    Education International against the death penalty: Teach abolition!