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 16 April 2020

    Chilean teacher and trade union leader receives international award

    Education International welcomes the awarding of the Arthur Svensson International Prize for Trade Union Rights 2020 to trade union leader and educator Barbara Figueroa Sandoval from Chile.

    Chilean teacher and trade union leader receives international award
  2. News 15 April 2020

    Germany: Education union raises concerns around reopening of schools

    A German education union has voiced its concern at proposals to reopen schools closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Issues to safeguard educator and student health include addressing how social distancing will operate in classrooms, the wearing of face masks, and infection prevention in facilities and public transport.

    Germany: Education union raises concerns around reopening of schools
  3. News 9 April 2020

    Kenya: Educators call for lockdown and measures to protect population during COVID-19 crisis

    Two education unions in Kenya have called for a complete lockdown of the country to ensure the safety of educators and students. The proposal is just one of those submitted by the unions for the effective and successful management of the health, education, and economic crisis caused by the spread...

    Kenya: Educators call for lockdown and measures to protect population during COVID-19 crisis
  4. News 8 April 2020

    Benin: Backdoor privatisation of education under COVID-19

    Although the Beninese public authorities have declared the closure of the country’s schools, pupils and teachers must nevertheless resume classes on 14 April. The public authorities have also taken the decision to recruit teaching staff through interim agencies, to which education unions strongly oppose.

    Benin: Backdoor privatisation of education under COVID-19
  5. News 8 April 2020

    Education International and global union partners call on international finance institutions to coordinate an urgent and equitable response to the COVID-19 crisis

    In a statement released ahead of the (virtual) Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, Global Unions including Education International have called on the international finance institutions (IFIs) to take action for economic stimulus, debt relief and healthcare.

    Education International and global union partners call on international finance institutions to coordinate an urgent and equitable response to the COVID-19 crisis
  6. News 6 April 2020

    COVID-19: Educators call for global solidarity and a human-centred approach to the crisis

    The Education International Executive Board held an emergency webinar on Friday, 3 April. During the call, the Executive Board adopted a resolution outlining educators’ key demands to all governments and international institutions dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak.

    COVID-19: Educators call for global solidarity and a human-centred approach to the crisis
  7. News 6 April 2020

    Papua New Guinea: Education closures extended to confine COVID-19 to single case

    While all schools and universities have been closed since 23 March as part of the country’s measures to deter the spread of COVID-19, the Papua New Guinea Teachers' Association discusses with their government ways to ensure quality education and safe return to schools for children and educators.

    Papua New Guinea: Education closures extended to confine COVID-19 to single case
  8. News 2 April 2020

    Mexico: Education union joins the fight against COVID-19

    In Mexico, the Education International member organisation is contributing to government efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of teachers and students and the continued provision of schooling.

    Mexico: Education union joins the fight against COVID-19
  9. News 2 April 2020

    OECD: Technology can amplify the work of great teachers, but it will not replace them

    The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is assessing the impact of technology on students and their learning outcomes as millions of schools close in over 140 countries to prevent the spread of COVID-19. And it has recognised the valuable contribution teachers made in the education process.

    OECD: Technology can amplify the work of great teachers, but it will not replace them
  10. News 2 April 2020

    Germany: Education unionists call for solidarity with refugees during the COVID-19 crisis

    A German education union has joined the “Leave No One Behind” campaign which seeks the immediate evacuation of overcrowded refugee camps at the EU's external borders. The campaign argues that the situation of refugees has been made worse by the COVID-19 crisis.

    Germany: Education unionists call for solidarity with refugees during the COVID-19 crisis
  11. News 1 April 2020

    Burundi: education unionists mobilise to raise awareness of the risks associated with COVID-19 and call for urgent action

    To prevent the arrival and spread of COVID-19 in Burundi, teacher unionists are raising awareness among the general population about the measures implemented by the government, while also asking that the government take a number of new steps to stem the crisis.

    Burundi: education unionists mobilise to raise awareness of the risks associated with COVID-19 and call for urgent action
  12. News 1 April 2020

    Lebanon: Union draws attention to the situation of refugees amid the COVID-19 pandemic

    School closures in Lebanon have affected over 1.3 million students at all levels of education. The country is host to large numbers of refugees who are most at risk during the crisis. Educators are working with the government to implement the best available solutions and call for solidarity and support...

    Lebanon: Union draws attention to the situation of refugees amid the COVID-19 pandemic
  13. News 1 April 2020

    Iraq: teachers raise funds and support displaced and disadvantaged families

    The Iraqi Teachers’ Union has mobilised its members to support those most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and the measures taken to contain it. The union is also running an information campaign to raise awareness of the crisis and the best ways to prevent infection.

    Iraq: teachers raise funds and support displaced and disadvantaged families