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 National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have reacted to the 6 January’s assault in Washington DC, where rioters encouraged by President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building during a joint session of Congress to certify the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
USA: Education unions condemn attack on democracy
As we enter 2021 and wish each other a Happy New Year, the arrival of Covid-19 vaccines is a good reason for optimism regarding humanity’s most immediate threat. Unfortunately, when it comes to our most urgent long-term danger – climate change – there is no vaccine, no bright path before...
“Can 2021 be the Critical Year for Climate Change Mobilisation?”, by Susan Hopgood.
Education International is alarmed about ongoing violations of trade union freedoms and the rights and acquis of teachers in Morocco as reported by the Syndicat national de l'enseignement–Confédération démocratique du Travail (SNE-CDT).
Morocco: repeated government attacks on educators’ human and trade union rights
England is once again in a national lockdown with Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing on the evening of Monday 4 January that a third lockdown, including the closure of most schools, was necessary to address rising infection rates and the rapid spread of the new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus...
“Taking Action to Keep School Pupils, Staff and Communities Safe in England”
Almost overnight in mid-March of 2019, academic staff at universities and colleges heeded the call to stay home and isolate. They transitioned to remote teaching to ensure the education continuity of millions of students during the public health emergency. Campuses were closed down, shuttering labs, and stalling research. Some libraries...
“The impact of the pandemic on academic workers and work - the Canadian experience”, by Brenda Austin-Smith.
On 13 December, at least 600 teenagers were kidnapped by Boko Haram at the Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina State, northwest Nigeria. Education International, the global union federation representing educators, has joined the international community in calling for the safe release of the 300 teenagers still in captivity.
Nigeria: Education International calls for immediate release of students kidnapped by jihadist group
Education International (EI) Executive Board Resolution on Terrorist Attacks in Mozambique
Education International (EI) Executive Board Resolution on Terrorist Attacks in Mozambique
Gender-based violence in and around schools poses big challenges to education unions and their members. Because everyone in and around schools – teachers, students, education support personnel - can be both perpetrator and victim of such violence, school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) is a violation of both the right to quality...
#16dayscampaign | “When teachers’ unions take action, schools become safer for everyone”, by madeleine kennedy-macfoy (EI) and Rex Fyles (Gender at Work).
Education International and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) stand in solidarity with workers, students, teachers and academics and all citizens of Belarus.
Statement | Situation in Belarus
The Executive Board of Education International has adopted a resolution condemning the human rights violations in Colombia that have led to thousands of deaths of trade unionists.
Colombia: Global Education Union condemns threats, harassment, and killings of unionists
On 9 December, Education International’s Executive Board adopted a resolution on terrorism in Mozambique and the need for international support and relief for teachers and other victims. The Education International member organisation, the Organizaçao Nacional dos Professores (ONP), has reported the recent assassination of six teachers.
Education International responds to terrorist attacks in Mozambique with support for member organisation ONP
Today, 9 December, Education International’s Executive Board has adopted a resolution calling on the Government of Kenya to urge the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the national employer authority in education, to desist from a campaign of discrimination against the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT). The Government must urge the...
Education International urges government intervention to stop union-busting in Kenya
In Portugal, the Federaçao Nacional dos Professores (FENPROF) has urged educators to go on strike on 11 December. The national action is intended to put pressure on the government and members of Parliament, demanding respect for the profession, improvement of their working and living conditions, and a solution to the...
Portugal: Union calls for strike to force government to negotiate
Education International and the global education union community is saddened by the passing on 6 December of Lee Dong-Jin (68), a great education unionist, former leader of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) and former member of Education International’s Executive Board.
Korea: Educators mourn the death of Lee Dong-Jin, a great education union leader
Teacher unions in the UK have reacted to announcements by the Department for Education (DfE), requesting public authorities to better address educators’ workload, accountability, pay and funding to ensure quality education for all.
UK: Education unions react to Department for Education request to authorities to address accountability, workload, funding, qualifications, and inspections
Indonesian teachers were praised for providing quality education during the COVID-19 crisis at the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Persatuan Guru Republik Indonesia (PGRI) and of the 2020 National Teacher’s Day.
Indonesia: Education union celebrate 75th anniversary and educators’ unwavering commitment in the face of tough challenges
Within the framework of a profoundly sexist culture, the phenomenon of gender-based violence is linked to violence against women, children and adolescents, particularly those from the poorest sectors of society and those belonging to indigenous communities. Paraguay has one of the highest rates of child sexual abuse in South America:...
#16dayscampaign | "Gender-Based Violence in Paraguay: The Other Pandemic", by Paola Giménez (OTEP AUTÉNTICA).
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