All teachers and education support personnel have the right to organise and be part of a union that represents and defends their values and interests. However, around the world, education unions are facing serious attacks and operate in increasingly challenging and hostile environments. Revitalising unions, building their power by boosting membership and active participation and maximising impact is the way forward.
As Education International (EI) celebrates its 25th anniversary, a new podcast helps us look back to past achievements that have helped thousands of teachers deliver quality education, no matter the circumstances.
EI: New podcast marks 25 years of solidarity with education workers
The Council of Global Unions held its 12th meeting with a clear message in support of its members in the USA and against attacks on the American trade union movement.
The Council of Global Unions condemns attacks on labour rights
Dutch educators are on strike, demanding decent salaries and a normal workload, and urging the government to clearly and firmly address burn out and a shortage in teachers in primary education.
The Netherlands: Educators’ Code Red continues
Teachers in Belgium stopped work for an hour on 1 February, in response to a call from education unions to denounce the Federal Government's pension policy.
Belgium: “Hands off our pensions”, say education unions
The American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association have teamed up to deliver 80,000 report cards to Secretary DeVos’ doorstep on the anniversary of her appointment to call for her resignation.
USA: joint teacher union action aims to put education secretary on notice
The Nigeria Union of Teachers and other labour unions in Kaduna State have gone on strike after thousands of teachers had their employment terminated by the state’s government, despite a court order preventing such an action.
Nigeria: Teachers’ dismissal sparks strike action in Kaduna
In a letter to Brazilian President Michel Temer, Education International (EI) expressed great concern over the long-standing campaign of defamation and political harassment against former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Brazil: concerns over the long-standing campaign targeting former President Lula
Denied the extension of his furlough despite his poor health resulting from harsh detention conditions, Tehran teacher union leader Esmail Abdi was taken back to the Evin prison on 20 January.
Iranian teacher unionist Esmail Abdi sent back to prison
Education International, the global teachers‘ federation which represents over 32 million members in 173 countries, has been informed by its Argentinian affiliate, the Confederación de Trabajadores de la Educación de la República Argentina of new anonymous threats against the SUTEBA General Secretary, Roberto Baradel.
Education International stands in support of Roberto Baradel facing threats
Education unions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have launched a joint programme for study circles in schools aimed at revitalising teacher trade unionism.
DRC: United action to strengthen education unions
Education International’s affiliates, the American Federation of Teachers and the Union of Education Norway, have strongly rejected US President Trump’s racist comments while speaking about Haiti, El Salvador and unspecified African countries.
Education organisations firmly condemn President Trump’s “vile and unacceptable” comments
In Zambia, a cholera outbreak has led to calls for Government action to help students recover lost learning time following the delayed opening of schools.
Zambia: Government must act to mitigate lost learning time due to cholera outbreak
Education International has been notified that Tehran teacher union leader Esmail Abdi was released on furlough from Evin prison on 9 January, a temporary reprieve from his six-year sentence.
Iranian education union leader Esmail Abdi released on furlough
The Kurdistan Teachers’ Union in Iraq was quick to support colleagues and the education system in eastern and southern Iraq after its devastation by an earthquake late last year.
Iraq: Union continues support for region devastated by earthquake
Following the reshuffle of the UK government by Prime Minister Theresa May, educators have welcomed the nomination of Damian Hinds as Education Secretary, and anticipate an ongoing social dialogue with him.
UK: Unions call for increased dialogue with new Education Secretary
Wishing everyone a prosperous new year, Education International will hit the ground running to start 2018, and, as ever, the global federation of education trade unions will work hard defending the interests of all workers in the education sector, and promoting access to quality public education for all.
25th anniversary sparks renewed activity from Education International
Education International joins in the Amnesty International “Write for Rights” Appeal for Iranian education unionist Esmail Abdi.
Iran: calls for support of jailed education union leader made around the world
Dutch educators are on strike today (12 December), demanding decent salaries and a normal workload. They are also urging the government to clearly and firmly address burn out and a shortage in teachers in primary education.
The Netherlands: Strike action to protect quality primary education