Ei-iE

Union growth

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.

Our work in this area

  1. News 9 March 2007

    Turkey: Egitim-Sen offices attacked

    Arsonists have attacked and destroyed the offices of the Sakarya branch of EI member organisation Egitim-Sen. Fortunately no one was hurt in the incident.

    Turkey: Egitim-Sen offices attacked
  2. News 15 February 2007

    Netherlands: Former AOb Presidents appointed to new Dutch government

    A new government is being formed after the coalition agreement was presented on 7 February. Two former Presidents of the Algemene Onderwijsbond (AOb) Ella Vogelaar and Jacques Tichelaar were appointed to important positions in the new government.

    Netherlands: Former AOb Presidents appointed to new Dutch government
  3. News 12 February 2007

    EFAIDS Committee Member Located

    Last month we reported on the disappearance of Meqcha Mengistu, Chairperson of the Ethiopian Teachers’ Association (ETA) East Gojam Zonal Executive and member of the ETA Committee for the implementation of the EI/ETA EFAIDS Programme. Mr. Mengistu has now been located and is awaiting trial.

    EFAIDS Committee Member Located
  4. News 8 February 2007

    International Master Programmes on Labour and Globalisation for Trade Unionists now open for Application

    As part of the Global Labour University network, EI would like to inform its members that the next academic year of Global Labour University (GLU) is now open for applications. Two Master prgrammes on Labour and Globalisation for trade unionists are offered in 2008-2009 by the network, formed by the...

    International Master Programmes on Labour and Globalisation for Trade Unionists now open for Application
  5. News 7 February 2007

    ASEAN Trade Union Rights Workshop received region-wide support

    A Trade Union Rights Workshop which was held from 14-16 Jan 2007 for EI member organisations from the Southeast Asian region received widespread support from participants from all corners of the region.

    ASEAN Trade Union Rights Workshop received region-wide support
  6. News 30 January 2007

    EI welcomes launch of European Year of Equal Opportunities for All

    On 30 and 31 January 2007 in Berlin, 450 delegates from across Europe will attend the first ever European Equality summit to mark 2007 as European Year of Equal Opportunities as designated by the European Commission.

    EI welcomes launch of European Year of Equal Opportunities for All
  7. News 24 January 2007

    World Economic Forum: the International Trade Union movement challenges Business leaders on Corporate Responsibility

    A delegation of 12 international trade union leaders at the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos this week will be calling companies to account on corporate taxation, the role of private equity investment and the social and environmental responsibilities of business.

    World Economic Forum: the International Trade Union movement challenges Business leaders on Corporate Responsibility
  8. News 23 January 2007

    Guinea: EI condemns killing of demonstrators

    EI joins the call of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in condemning the recent killing of civilians and detention of top union leaders by the Guinean government.

    Guinea: EI condemns killing of demonstrators
  9. News 19 January 2007

    Cambodian unionists do not forget the murder of their leader three years ago

    EI's affiliate in Cambodia, the Cambodia Independent Teachers Association (CITA), and the Cambodia trade union centre (FTUWKC, Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia) will mark the third anniversary of the murder of Chea Vichea, the President of the Cambodia trade union centre. He was gunned down...

    Cambodian unionists do not forget the murder of their leader three years ago
  10. News 17 January 2007

    Ethiopia: Urgent Action Appeal Update

    Below is an update regarding the Urgent Action Appeal launched on 4 January on behalf of elected union officers of the Ethiopian Teachers’ Association (ETA). Your solidarity is still indispensable as the ETA officers in detention continue to be subjected to torture!

    Ethiopia: Urgent Action Appeal Update
  11. News 9 January 2007

    Ethiopia: Amnesty International adopts detained ETA officials as prisoners of conscience

    Education International is happy to have the support of Amnesty International in its appeal for the release of ETA officials. An urgent action appeal was launched on 4 Jan for the release of Tilahun Ayalew, Anteneh Getnet and Meqcha Mengistu, who are prominent members of EI's affiliate, the Ethiopian Teacher...

    Ethiopia: Amnesty International adopts detained ETA officials as prisoners of conscience
  12. News 5 January 2007

    Pakistan: Sindh High Court ruled that the ban on teacher unions is illegal

    On 12 Dec 2006, the High Court of the Sindh province in Pakistan ruled in favour of the Sindh Primary Teachers' Association in a case against the provincial government's ban on all activities carried out by teacher unions. The Court declared the government's ban "unlawful and of no legal effect".

    Pakistan: Sindh High Court ruled that the ban on teacher unions is illegal
  13. News 4 January 2007

    EI launches Urgent Action Appeal for Ethiopia

    An urgent action appeal is launched on 4 January by EI, which calls on all member organisations and partners to support the elected union officers of the Ethiopian Teachers’ Association (ETA).

    EI launches Urgent Action Appeal for Ethiopia
  14. News 21 December 2006

    Ethiopia: EI fears for the safety of two activist teachers

    Education International has been alerted by its affiliate, the Ethiopian Teachers’ Association (ETA) that two colleagues, Tilahun Ayalew and Meqcha Mengistu, are missing.

    Ethiopia: EI fears for the safety of two activist teachers
  15. News 7 December 2006

    EI strongly condemns the unlawful military takeover in Fiji

    Education International strongly condemns the unlawful military takeover in Fiji. "This unconstitutional move precludes the hopes for democracy and again throws the country into social turmoil," said the General Secretary of Education International, Fred van Leeuwen.

    EI strongly condemns the unlawful military takeover in Fiji
  16. News 5 December 2006

    Kenya: Education minister thanks UASU for calling off strike

    A six-week strike by university lecturers has been called off by their union, EI affiliate the University Academic staff Union (UASU), to pave way for negotiations.

    Kenya: Education minister thanks UASU for calling off strike