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 17 June 2020

    Education International mourns Fred Jarvis

    Fred Jarvis, who led the National Union of Teachers (NUT) as its General Secretary from 1975 to 1989, has died at 95. His service to trade unionism and education, however, began long before his work at the NUT as leader and in other capacities and continued until his death.

    Education International mourns Fred Jarvis
  2. Worlds of Education 16 June 2020

    As frontlines shift to schools: Can governments ensure safety? by David Edwards.

    David Edwards

    Education International echoes the call of education workers from around the world: national governments must ensure their protection through evidence-based public health measures in the transition back to school. Read about how the global union federation responds to this call.

    As frontlines shift to schools: Can governments ensure safety? by David Edwards.
  3. News 11 June 2020

    Uruguay: Public education under threat

    The new conservative government of Uruguay, that took office last March, has submitted a bill for urgent consideration (Ley de Urgente Consideración, or LUC) to Parliament that set off alarm bells amongst Uruguayan society for being deeply antidemocratic in form and substance. The urgent bill shows how the country is...

    Uruguay: Public education under threat
  4. News 11 June 2020

    Education International’s COVID-19 Solidarity Fund is operational

    Education International has launched a COVID-19 Solidarity Fund to strengthen education trade unions following the COVID-19 pandemic. The solidarity of many member organisations has already provided contributions, and requests to provide support for union activities have been received from other affiliated unions.

    Education International’s COVID-19 Solidarity Fund is operational
  5. News 5 June 2020

    USA: Educators join in public outcry and demand justice for George Floyd

    Addressing the Minneapolis Police Department, Minnesota’s elected officials, and the media, the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers and Education Support Personnel demand justice after the death of George Floyd, a black citizen, while he was arrested by police officers. They are calling members and concerned citizens for solidarity by adding their...

    USA: Educators join in public outcry and demand justice for George Floyd
  6. News 5 June 2020

    Post-pandemic economic recovery requires radical rethink and global solidarity, say union bodies

    Many economists predict that the COVID-19 pandemic will produce the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Policies and the details of their implementation will not only determine if economic recovery is successful, but if that recovery accelerates or slows the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals...

    Post-pandemic economic recovery requires radical rethink and global solidarity, say union bodies
  7. News 4 June 2020

    Canada: Quebec teaching union members deplore government monologue in public-sector negotiations

    The Centrale des syndicats du Québec (Quebec Labour Congress – CSQ) has urged the government of Quebec to engage in full social dialogue and respond to solutions put forward by trade unionists with a view to halting financial austerity measures, improving employees’ working conditions and thereby strengthening public services, particularly...

    Canada: Quebec teaching union members deplore government monologue in public-sector negotiations
  8. News 3 June 2020

    New Zealand: Historic pay equity increase for education support personnel

    In New Zealand, education unionists have won historic pay equity increases for education support personnel. Over 22,000 school teacher aides have been offered a life-changing pay equity settlement including pay increases of up to 28 per cent.

    New Zealand: Historic pay equity increase for education support personnel
  9. Worlds of Education 2 June 2020

    "10 years of ISTP – what governments and unions can achieve together", by Andreas Schleicher and David Edwards

    David Edwards, Andreas Schleicher

    Ten years ago, Education International and the OECD began co-hosting with various countries an altogether unique, (somewhat unlikely) but critically necessary convening of ministers of education and heads of teachers’ unions. The purpose was to support an informed and honest policy dialogue between and among elected representatives of the teaching...

    "10 years of ISTP – what governments and unions can achieve together", by Andreas Schleicher and David Edwards
  10. News 2 June 2020

    Cameroon: the resumption of face-to-face classes without proper preliminary planning endangers teachers and students alike

    Organised teachers in Cameroon have warned the government that a resumption of classes on 1 June carried out without sufficient preliminary planning would put the educational community in danger. They have especially insisted on reduced class sizes and the provision of masks and hand sanitizer.

    Cameroon: the resumption of face-to-face classes without proper preliminary planning endangers teachers and students alike
  11. News 28 May 2020

    Kenya: New report urges government to plan well and save lives

    In Kenya, education unions have joined with civil society organisations in presenting public authorities with recommendations and steps to be taken to guarantee a safe reopening of schools and education institutions.

    Kenya: New report urges government to plan well and save lives
  12. News 26 May 2020

    Malaysia: Education union pivots to address new situations caused by COVID-19 crisis

    In Malaysia, the Sarawak Teachers’ Union has been responding to issues such as remote teaching and learning, students’ mental health, exams and gender inequality, all arising out of school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Malaysia: Education union pivots to address new situations caused by COVID-19 crisis
  13. News 25 May 2020

    DRC: united teaching unions set out firm conditions for the reopening of schools

    The member organisations of Education International in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have collectively informed the public authorities of the six conditions they insist must be met before schools and teaching institutions are reopened.

    DRC: united teaching unions set out firm conditions for the reopening of schools