Ei-iE

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 20 October 2017

    Nobel Laureate leads historic march across India to keep children safe

    When Kailash Satyarthi commits there is no way of stopping him, which was evident as millions followed his call to end the sexual abuse and trafficking of children in what was the country’s biggest march.

    Nobel Laureate leads historic march across India to keep children safe
  2. News 18 October 2017

    Kenya: Union support for university lecturers’ strike move

    The Trade Unions Congress of Kenya has announced its support for lecturers in 31 Kenyan public universities who have given 21 days’ strike notice after the universities’ councils failed to increase their basic salary and housing allowance.

    Kenya: Union support for university lecturers’ strike move
  3. News 17 October 2017

    Education International mourns the loss of Somali teachers and students

    The aftermath of the horrific bombing of Mogadishu is being felt far from the capital as the education community expresses solidarity for colleagues lost in the violent act which has left hundreds dead.

    Education International mourns the loss of Somali teachers and students
  4. News 12 October 2017

    Education International’s Asia-Pacific leaders gather to tackle regional challenges

    Asia-Pacific education union leaders reiterated their commitment to quality education for all, working towards countering for-profit education privatisation, increasing  teacher professionalism and demanding respect for educators’ human and trade union rights.

    Education International’s Asia-Pacific leaders gather to tackle regional challenges
  5. Worlds of Education 11 October 2017

    Think Global, Act Local: Perspectives from EI Young Advocates' workshop

    Gabriel A. Tanglao

    I am a young teacher from New Jersey with over seven years in the classroom. This summer, I traveled to seven different cities to participate in ten different conferences. We had powerful conversations around racial justice in education, progressive movement-building, leadership development, and more. The most impactful experience was the...

    Think Global, Act Local: Perspectives from EI Young Advocates' workshop
  6. News 9 October 2017

    France: Educators unite in defence of public service

    The French affiliates of Education International are mobilising on 10 October to defend civil servants’ purchasing power and working conditions as they press for improvements in the quality of public services.

    France: Educators unite in defence of public service
  7. News 4 October 2017

    World Teachers’ Day brings professional freedom and empowerment into focus

    As the contributions and significance of teachers are recognised, this year’s focus has turned toward the diminishing freedoms facing the profession and the empowerment needed to allow teachers to work effectively in a challenging world.

    World Teachers’ Day brings professional freedom and empowerment into focus
  8. News 28 September 2017

    Quality refugee education lagging a year after global commitments

    With only modest advances made in the year since countries pledged education-related support to refugees at the 2016 UN General Assembly’s Leaders’ Summit, renewed calls for immediate action are being made.

    Quality refugee education lagging a year after global commitments
  9. News 26 September 2017

    Mexico: Educators worldwide mourn victims, past and present

    Victims of injustice and natural catastrophes have been remembered today September 26, weeks after hurricanes and earthquakes added many to the numbers of deceased, and three years after the forced disappearance of 43 students in Ayotzinapa.

    Mexico: Educators worldwide mourn victims, past and present
  10. News 26 September 2017

    Swaziland: Unconstitutional move to end free primary school education

    The Swaziland National Association of Teachers has condemned the government’s decision to introduce school fees, a move that flies in the face of the country’s constitution which states that primary education is a right.

    Swaziland: Unconstitutional move to end free primary school education
  11. News 20 September 2017

    Sally Hunt elected new President of the TUC

    Education International welcomes the election of education unionist Sally Hunt to the helm of the Trades Union Congress.

    Sally Hunt elected new President of the TUC
  12. News 19 September 2017

    Burkina Faso: 69th country to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration

    Education International welcomes the move by Burkina Faso to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration, committing itself to protect students, teachers, schools, and universities during times of violent conflict.

    Burkina Faso: 69th country to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration
  13. News 15 September 2017

    Swiss Education Day focuses on educators’ health

    On the occasion of the Swiss Education Day, teachers’ unions demanded that efforts be made by employers to improve their health protection, with the slogan “Healthy Schools - Good Schools.”

    Swiss Education Day focuses on educators’ health
  14. News 13 September 2017

    African teacher unions plan strategies to ensure refugees’ education

    Education International’s General Secretary has reaffirmed the need for education unions, in Africa and the world over, to continue efforts towards the achievement of the refugees’ right to access quality education.

    African teacher unions plan strategies to ensure refugees’ education
  15. News 13 September 2017

    Niger: unions challenge the government’s teacher evaluation

    While Niger’s education unions are not opposed to teacher evaluation, they are criticising the Minister’s failure to listen to their advice concerning the form the tests should take and the consequences facing teachers’ careers.

    Niger: unions challenge the government’s teacher evaluation