-
Trade union rights are human rights 24 March 2020 Japan: Teachers’ union in dialogue with government to address major challenges after country-wide school closures
Japan Teachers’ Union has voiced concern over students’ wellbeing during the school closures brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Temporary educators also face serious problems as classes are suspended. The union is working with the national Ministry of Education and Parliament to find solutions.
Japan: Teachers’ union in dialogue with government to address major challenges after country-wide school closures -
Trade union rights are human rights 24 March 2020 Educators in Morocco and Palestine donate wages to COVID-19 solidarity fund
As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19) spreads across the world, paralysing entire countries, underprivileged families bear the brunt of the crisis, with parents unable to work and support their children. Educators in Palestine and Morocco have decided to donate part of their wages to help the most vulnerable and the...
Educators in Morocco and Palestine donate wages to COVID-19 solidarity fund -
Trade union rights are human rights 23 March 2020 Albania: Education union uses technology to reduce impact of COVID-19
With schools closed due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Albania, the Independent Trade Union of Education of Albania has moved quickly to social media and virtual group platforms to stay in touch with members. It has also liaised with public authorities to ensure that all children have ongoing equal...
Albania: Education union uses technology to reduce impact of COVID-19 -
Trade union rights are human rights 23 March 2020 Ghana: Teacher unions demand complete school closure to ensure safety of all students
Teachers and educators in Ghana are urging President Akufo-Addo to extend the four-week shutdown of basic and second-cycle schools to final-year students. This is intended to minimise the spread of COVID-19.
Ghana: Teacher unions demand complete school closure to ensure safety of all students -
Leading the profession 23 March 2020 OECD’s latest TALIS survey supports teachers and their profession
Volume II of The Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2018 was released by the OECD today, 23 March 2020. Having contributed to the development of the survey, EI welcomes the findings and views them as a solid basis for discussions between education trade unions and policy makers.
OECD’s latest TALIS survey supports teachers and their profession -
Trade union rights are human rights 20 March 2020 World Health Organisation guidelines
In order to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, it is essential to follow the guidelines provided by the World Health Organisation and the advice of national health authorities. Misinformation during this crisis can have deadly consequences. Educators play an essential role in informing their students and communities on...
World Health Organisation guidelines -
Trade union rights are human rights 20 March 2020 Francophone Africa: Lack of consultation with education unions creates uncertainty as to how learning can continue during COVID-19 school closures
Education unions in Francophone Africa are dismayed at the lack of consultation in government decisions to close all education establishments to fight the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The unions representing teachers and education support personnel report that they had not been consulted on the best ways to ensure quality...
Francophone Africa: Lack of consultation with education unions creates uncertainty as to how learning can continue during COVID-19 school closures -
Trade union rights are human rights 20 March 2020 Iran: Iranian teacher unionist Esmail Abdi released from jail
Education International welcomes the release of jailed Iranian teacher unionist Esmail Abdi on 17 March.
Iran: Iranian teacher unionist Esmail Abdi released from jail -
Trade union rights are human rights 20 March 2020 Philippines: The Alliance of Concerned Teachers urges government to increase support to the millions affected by the COVID-19 outbreak
The Philippines is currently under a State of National Health Emergency and a State of Calamity. Classes from kindergarten to college are cancelled until 14 April 2020 but the government is not conducting extensive testing nor providing enough support for the population. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers is mobilising to...
Philippines: The Alliance of Concerned Teachers urges government to increase support to the millions affected by the COVID-19 outbreak -
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 16 March 2020 Brazil: National strike in education gains support from other sectors
The Confederación Nacional de Trabajadores de Educación (CNTE), Education International affiliate in Brazil, has called a major nationwide strike in education, protesting the policies of the Bolsonaro administration. The trade union centre in Brazil - Central Única de los trabajadores de Brasil (CUT) – and other organisations have announced they...
Brazil: National strike in education gains support from other sectors -
Equity and inclusion 16 March 2020 States must provide for teaching indigenous and minority children in their own language
Education International warmly welcomes the declaration by the UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues that children of linguistic minorities must be taught in their own language where possible. This would help to achieve inclusive and quality education, and respect the human rights of all children.
States must provide for teaching indigenous and minority children in their own language -
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 13 March 2020 Union tributes on passing of top Caribbean education unionist Roustan Job
Education International has been saddened to learn of the death of Roustan Job, an outstanding education trade unionist from Trinidad and Tobago. Job relentlessly fought for teachers’ improved working conditions, professionalism, and autonomy in his region and worldwide.
Union tributes on passing of top Caribbean education unionist Roustan Job -
Equity and inclusion 13 March 2020 Turkey: Education unionists call for immediate action to save migrants at the border with Greece
Education International’s affiliate in Turkey, Eğitim-Sen, is deeply concerned about the migrants’ living conditions at the border with Greece. It is calling for urgent action – including assistance from trade unions - to help them.
Turkey: Education unionists call for immediate action to save migrants at the border with Greece -
Union renewal and development 12 March 2020 Council of Global Unions Joint Statement | COVID-19 Urgent Economic Stimulus and Workplace Measures Required
The rapid and wide spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the COVID-19 disease that it causes require an urgent global response to protect health and stimulate the economy. Governments and employers must act to protect workers and tackle transmission in workplaces.
Council of Global Unions Joint Statement | COVID-19 Urgent Economic Stimulus and Workplace Measures Required -
Trade union rights are human rights 12 March 2020 Nepal: Education union takes the lead on fighting COVID-19
The Nepal National Teachers' Association has provided teachers with information on COVID-19 during a union workshop. It is also planning to organise as many information workshops as possible for a month. These will coincide with the celebration of the country’s National Teachers’ Day.
Nepal: Education union takes the lead on fighting COVID-19 -
Equity and inclusion 11 March 2020 Germany: Union calls for gender perspective to be included in digital education
A German education union is calling for greater attention to be paid to gender aspects and, in particular, gender justice in shaping the digital future in education.
Germany: Union calls for gender perspective to be included in digital education -
Equity and inclusion 10 March 2020 Global Unions respond to disappointing Political Declaration adopted by Member States at the scaled back 64th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women
The 64th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women was to take place in New York City over the next two weeks, starting yesterday (March 9th). However, due to the COVID19 outbreak, the Commission convened for a one-day procedural meeting yesterday and the Session was suspended until...
Global Unions respond to disappointing Political Declaration adopted by Member States at the scaled back 64th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women -
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 10 March 2020 South Africa: Union campaigns to eradicate school violence as it marks 30th anniversary
The South African Democratic Teachers' Union has kicked off celebrations for its 30th anniversary in the Northern Cape by launching its "I am a school fan" campaign in the province. The campaign aims to address the escalating violence in schools.
South Africa: Union campaigns to eradicate school violence as it marks 30th anniversary