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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 26 March 2020

    Philippines: Higher education union negotiates financial support for educators during COVID-19 university closures

    The National Alliance of Teachers and Office Workers is assisting its members in negotiations with employers so that educators receive financial support during school closures in the Philippines. The union is also offering students remedial online sessions.

    Philippines: Higher education union negotiates financial support for educators during COVID-19 university closures
  2. News 24 March 2020

    Taiwan: prompt action to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep schools open and safe

    Thanks to the early deployment of epidemic control actions by the government, schools in Taiwan remain open with strict measures to prevent infection. The National Teachers’ Association also reacted swiftly, contributing to the effort to ensure the safety of teachers and students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Taiwan: prompt action to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep schools open and safe
  3. News 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
  4. News 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
  5. News 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
  6. News 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
  7. News 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
  8. News 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
  9. Worlds of Education 17 March 2020

    “COVID-19: educators and unions stand united and mobilise”, by David Edwards.

    David Edwards

    Today, teachers and education support personnel, union leaders the world over are coming together in myriad ways to find collective solutions to address the needs of their students, colleagues and communities despite enormous challenges and deteriorating situations.

    “COVID-19: educators and unions stand united and mobilise”, by David Edwards.
  10. News 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
  11. News 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
  12. Statements 12 March 2020

    Statement | Educators must be part of the COVID-19 crisis response

    On 10 March UNESCO announced the creation of an emergency task force and community of practice that will support national responses to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis in education. Educators welcome the swift mobilisation and insist that teachers and education support personnel be included in the work of the...

    Statement | Educators must be part of the COVID-19 crisis response