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 19 October 2015

    Bahrain: union president in need of urgent medical help

    Mahdi Abu Dheeb, president of the Bahraini Teachers’ Association, is said to be in poor health and is being refused medical treatment as he continues to serve a five year prison sentence.

    Bahrain: union president in need of urgent medical help
  2. News 13 October 2015

    Plight of missing Yemeni teacher unknown as efforts to secure his release continue

    Education International has brought its full support to Hilal Akrout, a teacher unionist, as well as all education workers arbitrarily detained in Yemen, and demands respect for the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the people of Yemen.

    Plight of missing Yemeni teacher unknown as efforts to secure his release continue
  3. News 8 October 2015

    Iran: intensified pressure on teacher unionists

    Fourteen teacher unionists have been detained in a Tehran detention centre for a couple of hours on 7 October for scheduling a peaceful protest, and threatened to be arrested again if participating in the protest planned for 8 October.

    Iran: intensified pressure on teacher unionists
  4. News 7 October 2015

    World Day for Decent Work targets corporate greed

    On the heels of a major free trade agreement among Pacific nations, trade unions are reminding the world that decent work not only matters, but that it is the linchpin for fair and equal societies.

    World Day for Decent Work targets corporate greed
  5. News 6 October 2015

    Kenya: Teachers return to school despite ongoing struggle

    Although Kenyan teachers are back in the classroom after court rulings ended both their month of labour action and halted the government’s plan to hire 70,000 replacement teachers, the biggest issue remains unresolved.

    Kenya: Teachers return to school despite ongoing struggle
  6. News 29 September 2015

    Burkina Faso: teachers' unions and civil society decisive in ending of the coup

    Together with union federations and other independent unions from Burkina Faso gathered within the Union Action Unit, Education International’s member unions strongly acted to end the recent coup that took place in the country.

    Burkina Faso: teachers' unions and civil society decisive in ending of the coup
  7. News 22 September 2015

    Nepal: successful teachers’ action opens negotiations with Ministry

    Following two months of continuous action, Nepalese teachers have been invited by the Ministry of Education to discuss crucial issues such as the public education system and rebuilding works after the earthquakes.

    Nepal: successful teachers’ action opens negotiations with Ministry
  8. News 21 September 2015

    Finland: trade union front to defend negotiation rights

    The teachers’ union Opetusalan Ammattijärjestö has joined over 30,000 workers from all sectors to demonstrate in Helsinki, Finland, to oppose the planned governmental anti-union laws anddefend trade union negotiation rights.

    Finland: trade union front to defend negotiation rights
  9. News 17 September 2015

    EI statement on the refugee situation: we must take collective action

    The people seeking refuge in Europe are among the thousands driven from their homes every year in fear of their lives because of violent conflict, political and economic instability, natural disasters, or extreme poverty.

    EI statement on the refugee situation: we must take collective action
  10. News 15 September 2015

    Liberia: teachers urged to 'stand up for your rights'

    Teachers have been challenged to take the lead in speaking out against barriers undermining the teaching profession during a three-day training workshop on ‘Teacher Effectiveness’ held in Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia.

    Liberia: teachers urged to 'stand up for your rights'
  11. News 10 September 2015

    Kenya: teachers demand overdue pay rise

    Education International strongly supports its affiliates in Kenya, who have been waiting for 18 years for a promised pay rise, recently restated by a Supreme Court decision.

    Kenya: teachers demand overdue pay rise
  12. News 10 September 2015

    Iran: Teachers face new round of government repression

    The new school year in Iran looms with threats of increased intimidation, arrest and prosecution of teachers, union activists and those who dare to speak up in favour of quality education for all.

    Iran: Teachers face new round of government repression
  13. News 7 September 2015

    Germany: inclusion in schools on the rise, but still facing challenges

    Students in Germany are increasingly sharing the same classroom regardless of their disabilities, says a new study by the Bertelsmann Foundation, but in some schools and regions, inclusion is still an out-of-reach target.

    Germany: inclusion in schools on the rise, but still facing challenges
  14. Publications

    Strengthening rights through education unions

    Human & trade union rights policy paper
    4 September 2015

    The Human and Trade Union Rights Policy Paper describes how human and trade union rights strengthen the work of education unions and provide a mandate for them to act on behalf of their members. This Policy Paper reflects the values and objectives promoted by EI through its constitution, policies and...

    Strengthening rights through education unions
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