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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 December 2020

    Africa: Teacher unions continue to fight child labour despite Covid-pandemic

    As the Covid-19 crisis poses a threat to achievements made to get children into school and out of work, an online webinar has brought together unionists and experts to strengthen strategies and allow teachers to continue helping students.

    Africa: Teacher unions continue to fight child labour despite Covid-pandemic
  2. News 2 December 2020

    Portugal: Teachers in high-risk groups need improved conditions and options

    The Federação Nacional da Educação (FNE) has highlighted its concerns about the safety of Portuguese teachers and education support personnel (ESP) during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially if they belong to high-risk groups.

    Portugal: Teachers in high-risk groups need improved conditions and options
  3. News 1 December 2020

    Philippines: Global Day of Action

    November 30 was a Global Day of Action on the Philippines. The global trade union movement showed its solidarity with trade unionists and other activists who struggle for human rights and democracy in a country where both are in danger since the election of President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016.

    Philippines: Global Day of Action
  4. News 27 November 2020

    UK: Well-being of education professionals

    On 26 November, Education Support issued its annual index on teacher wellbeing for 2020. Education Support was founded in 2015 but has roots that go back 140 years. It is a respected and authoritative organisation that focuses on mental health and wellbeing of teachers and other education professionals in the...

    UK: Well-being of education professionals
  5. News 26 November 2020

    Webinar | Teachers, Students, and Public Education in the Fight against COVID-19

    On 1 December, Open Society Foundations, Education International and the Global Student Forum are hosting a webinar on the impact of COVID-19 on education and the urgent need to reopen learning institutions confidently and safely.

    Webinar | Teachers, Students, and Public Education in the Fight against COVID-19
  6. News 25 November 2020

    Iran: Halt the Execution of Iranian Academic Ahmadreza Djalali

    Education International has again expressed its deepest concerns about the death sentence against Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali, an Iranian-Swedish medical doctor, lecturer and researcher in emergency medicine. According to Amnesty International, he has been transferred to solitary confinement in Evin prison and told by the authorities that his execution is imminent.

    Iran: Halt the Execution of Iranian Academic Ahmadreza Djalali
  7. News 25 November 2020

    Niger: Trade union unity on skill development and improved working conditions for teachers

    With the help of the of Education International’s COVID-19 Solidarity Fund, the national unions that are members of Education International affiliate structure in Niger (IESNI) have collaborated in the organisation of an Inclusive Education Policy Forum, a skill development workshop for twenty-five female teachers, and the organisation of an awareness-raising...

    Niger: Trade union unity on skill development and improved working conditions for teachers
  8. News 25 November 2020

    Taiwan: Union cites dangers of surveillance cameras in ECE facilities

    The National Teachers’ Association (NTA) of Taiwan is concerned about the installation of surveillance cameras in early childhood education schools. It argues for more effective action against important preoccupations.

    Taiwan: Union cites dangers of surveillance cameras in ECE facilities
  9. News 23 November 2020

    The Philippines: Unionism Is not Terrorism

    Trade union and other leaders and activists from the Philippines recounted stories of repression in the Philippines in a Council of Global Unions Webinar on the Quest for Justice held on 23 November 2020. Vivid accounts were given of killings, threats and intimidation, red-tagging, and police abuses across private and...

    The Philippines: Unionism Is not Terrorism
  10. News 19 November 2020

    The Philippines: Webinar on Workers’ Quest for Justice

    Assaults on human and trade union rights are growing in the Philippines. As part of its ongoing solidarity campaign, the Council of Global Unions (CGU), has organised a webinar on Monday, 23 November, where trade union and human rights activists will explain the latest moves of the Duterte government and...

    The Philippines: Webinar on Workers’ Quest for Justice
  11. News 10 November 2020

    Switzerland: teachers call for uniform and reinforced measures

    Teacher unionists have responded to the Federal Council's announcements concerning the introduction of compulsory masks in upper secondary schools throughout Switzerland and the transition for universities to distance learning from 2 November, with face-to-face classes still permitted at primary and upper secondary school level. They have been closely monitoring the...

    Switzerland: teachers call for uniform and reinforced measures
  12. News 9 November 2020

    France: education workers demand better sanitary measures

    French teaching unions seek a commitment from the public authorities to improve the sanitary protocol to ensure the full and total protection of their health and that of their pupils.

    France: education workers demand better sanitary measures