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Peter Marshall / Demotix Images
Peter Marshall / Demotix Images

Trade union rights are human rights

Trade unionists are far too often subject to attacks by repressive governments. Every year, many are subjected to violence, arrest and imprisonment, torture and even murder. Trade union leaders in education are targeted by non-democratic governments who seek total control of education, and deny teachers and education support personnel their rights.

Even in democratic countries, many education workers are denied the right to join unions and/or engage in collective bargaining. Where bargaining exists, limits on its scope can be imposed. Moreover, teachers and education support personnel are denied the right to strike.

Education International also supports the right of students to organise and join the fight for more inclusive and democratic communities.

Working closely with our member organisations, other global unions and human rights networks, we use supervisory mechanisms at the national, regional and global levels to ensure rights and standards are respected and social dialogue is effective.

Solidarity actions among our global membership are a powerful tool to advance rights everywhere.

Our work in this area

  1. News 6 April 2020

    COVID-19: Educators call for global solidarity and a human-centred approach to the crisis

    The Education International Executive Board held an emergency webinar on Friday, 3 April. During the call, the Executive Board adopted a resolution outlining educators’ key demands to all governments and international institutions dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak.

    COVID-19: Educators call for global solidarity and a human-centred approach to the crisis
  2. News 6 April 2020

    Papua New Guinea: Education closures extended to confine COVID-19 to single case

    While all schools and universities have been closed since 23 March as part of the country’s measures to deter the spread of COVID-19, the Papua New Guinea Teachers' Association discusses with their government ways to ensure quality education and safe return to schools for children and educators.

    Papua New Guinea: Education closures extended to confine COVID-19 to single case
  3. News 2 April 2020

    Mexico: Education union joins the fight against COVID-19

    In Mexico, the Education International member organisation is contributing to government efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of teachers and students and the continued provision of schooling.

    Mexico: Education union joins the fight against COVID-19
  4. News 2 April 2020

    OECD: Technology can amplify the work of great teachers, but it will not replace them

    The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is assessing the impact of technology on students and their learning outcomes as millions of schools close in over 140 countries to prevent the spread of COVID-19. And it has recognised the valuable contribution teachers made in the education process.

    OECD: Technology can amplify the work of great teachers, but it will not replace them
  5. News 2 April 2020

    Germany: Education unionists call for solidarity with refugees during the COVID-19 crisis

    A German education union has joined the “Leave No One Behind” campaign which seeks the immediate evacuation of overcrowded refugee camps at the EU's external borders. The campaign argues that the situation of refugees has been made worse by the COVID-19 crisis.

    Germany: Education unionists call for solidarity with refugees during the COVID-19 crisis
  6. News 1 April 2020

    Burundi: education unionists mobilise to raise awareness of the risks associated with COVID-19 and call for urgent action

    To prevent the arrival and spread of COVID-19 in Burundi, teacher unionists are raising awareness among the general population about the measures implemented by the government, while also asking that the government take a number of new steps to stem the crisis.

    Burundi: education unionists mobilise to raise awareness of the risks associated with COVID-19 and call for urgent action
  7. News 1 April 2020

    Lebanon: Union draws attention to the situation of refugees amid the COVID-19 pandemic

    School closures in Lebanon have affected over 1.3 million students at all levels of education. The country is host to large numbers of refugees who are most at risk during the crisis. Educators are working with the government to implement the best available solutions and call for solidarity and support...

    Lebanon: Union draws attention to the situation of refugees amid the COVID-19 pandemic
  8. News 1 April 2020

    Iraq: teachers raise funds and support displaced and disadvantaged families

    The Iraqi Teachers’ Union has mobilised its members to support those most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and the measures taken to contain it. The union is also running an information campaign to raise awareness of the crisis and the best ways to prevent infection.

    Iraq: teachers raise funds and support displaced and disadvantaged families
  9. News 31 March 2020

    Colombia: Education union creates humanitarian fund to aid health workers and vulnerable sectors

    In response to the critical situation in Colombia as a result of COVID-19, with millions of people struggling with the self-isolation and quarantine requirements of the pandemic, the Federación Colombiana de Trabajadores de la Educación, FECODE, has created a "Humanitarian Solidarity Fund" to meet the needs of health workers, the...

    Colombia: Education union creates humanitarian fund to aid health workers and vulnerable sectors
  10. News 31 March 2020

    Spain: FECCOO launches measures to tackle the COVID-19 crisis

    In one of the countries most affected by the COVID-19 health crisis, the Spanish education union FECCOO is negotiating with the government regarding measures to ensure the sustainability of the education system and has launched a guide with advice for teachers.

    Spain: FECCOO launches measures to tackle the COVID-19 crisis
  11. News 30 March 2020

    Serbia: Teachers make education work despite the crisis

    The Teachers’ Union of Serbia reports educators have quickly adapted to distance teaching and learning, making the most of digital tools and using television broadcasts to ensure that all students have access to lessons while schools are closed because of the COVID-19 crisis. Efforts to continue education despite the crisis...

    Serbia: Teachers make education work despite the crisis
  12. News 27 March 2020

    Uruguay: Secondary school teachers stand in solidarity with students

    Given the current health emergency caused by the Covid-19 virus and the subsequent closure of educational institutions, various branches of the Federación Nacional de Profesores de Enseñanza Secundaria de Uruguay (FeNaPES) are engaged in solidarity initiatives.

    Uruguay: Secondary school teachers stand in solidarity with students
  13. News 27 March 2020

    Guiding principles on the COVID-19 pandemic

    The COVID-19 pandemic continues to grow at an alarming rate, resulting in numerous infections and fatalities across the globe. The impact on education has been devastating, with UNESCO reporting that over 1.5 billion students had been affected due to school closures in 165 countries as of 26 March 2020; this...

    Guiding principles on the COVID-19 pandemic