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 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. News 1 September 2017

    UK: education unions merge to form new organisation

    The creation of a new education has become a reality in the UK following the amalgamation of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers and the National Union of Teachers, creating the National Education Union.

    UK: education unions merge to form new organisation
  9. News 24 August 2017

    Iran: Support needed to free unjustly imprisoned trade unionists

    Together with the International Transport Workers' Federation, Education International has launched a LabourStart global solidarity campaign to seek the immediate and unconditional release of jailed trade unionists Reza Shahabi and Esmail Abdi.

    Iran: Support needed to free unjustly imprisoned trade unionists
  10. News 20 August 2017

    Filipino colleagues and students receive a wave of education union solidarity

    Teacher unions globally have condemned continuing attacks against Lumad schools, teachers, students and communities in the Philippines, a show of solidarity which comes after a call to action from Education International.

    Filipino colleagues and students receive a wave of education union solidarity
  11. Worlds of Education 9 August 2017

    Do not turn teachers into spies!

    Recently the European Bangladesh Forum invited me to participate in a debate on violent extremism. At stake was the question: How to prevent violent extremism?

    Do not turn teachers into spies!