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.
The rights of migrant teachers and girls and young women were the focus of two important resolutions passed on 24 July at Education International’s 7th World Congress in Ottawa, Canada.
Human rights centre stage at Congress
E?itim-Sen, the national Education International’s affiliate, has strongly condemned the suicide bomb attack that killed university students, including one member of the union, in Suruc, Turkey.
Turkey: teacher union condemns the latest suicide bomb against education workers
Iranian teacher unionist Esmail Abdi has been transferred from solitary confinement to the general ward of the Evin prison.
Iran: the mobilisation continues to release Iran teacher unionist
The Asia-Pacific office of Education International has organised two workshops on trade union issues for members of the Kazakhstan Trade Union of Education and Science Workers, its national affiliate, strengthening their negotiating and organising skills.
Kazakhstan: stronger education unions through reinforcement of negotiating and organising skills
The Teachers' Association of the Republic of Indonesia (PGRI) has asked the Government and local authorities to immediately pay the teacher profession allowance, which has been both reduced and withheld altogether is come circumstances.
Indonesia: education union demands payment of teacher profession allowance
Esmail Abdi, a leader of the Iranian Teachers’ Trade Association, was arrested following his attempt to obtain a visa to attend the 7th Education International World Congress in Ottawa, Canada later this month.
Iranian teacher union leader jailed
To close its 41th Congress, the Centrale des syndicats du Québec elected its new Executive Committee tasked with combating austerity measures that are aimed at cutting funding to the province’s education system.
Canada: the Quebecois union elected its new leadership for trade union renewal
Thousands of education workers plan to take to the streets in protest in the wake of unresolved labour violations by the Ukrainian government and employers following months of increasing tensions across multiple sectors.
Ukraine: union protests reach a tipping point
Education International welcomes the awarding of the Arthur Svensson International Prize for Trade Union Rights to the leaders of its Bahraini affiliate, which acknowledges their struggle for quality education, human and trade union rights.
Bahraini human and trade union rights defenders receive global Award
The most recent global estimates suggest that one in ten children between the ages of 5 and 14 is involved in child labour, preventing them from attending school. In Sub Saharan Africa, where the incidence is at its highest, a reported 21% of children are forced to work.
EI says NO to child labour – YES to Quality Education!
A new Code, backed by the American Federation of Teachers, will help ensure that international recruitment and employment of teachers in the United States is ethical, fair and transparent.
A Teachers’ Code for fair recruitment
Freedom of association and the right to strike remain contested issues at the International Labour Conference, where EI is making the case for better working conditions for all workers and increased social dialogue worldwide.
Education International puts teachers’ voice at the centre of talks in Geneva