Educators are among the first targets of tyrants. They also take the lead in the fight for democracy.
On this May Day, Education International stands in solidarity with trade unionists worldwide standing up for democracy, human rights, and social justice.
The rise of right-wing and authoritarian politicians globally is an active threat to union values, and to the working people and vulnerable communities unions defend. Arrogant billionaires are seizing control of governments, economies, and lives. They view democracy, laws, and workers' rights as obstacles to be bent or broken.
As the voice and force of teachers and education support personnel, we also denounce the ongoing attacks on public education, academic freedom, and the rights of marginalized communities, including migrant students and LGBTI+ individuals. These attacks undermine the right to education and the values we uphold.
In the face of violent conflicts, trade wars, growing inequality, the disintegration of the international order, and the climate emergency, unionists must use our collective power to build a world rooted in solidarity, peace, and human dignity. As educators, we must continue to teach and shape the future with purpose and hope.
From Myanmar to Iran, Argentina, Türkiye, Belarus, Eswatini and beyond, trade unionists and educators are courageously leading the fight for human rights and democracy. Despite facing violence, intimidation, and fear, they persevere, they resist. In the United States, once considered a beacon for democracy, entire populations are under threat by an authoritarian regime bent on destroying civil rights, public education, the rule of law, the public sector, and the planet. We stand in solidarity with our U.S. affiliates as they call for an end to the indiscriminate jailing of international and migrant students, including minors, and deplore the arbitrary detention and deportation of thousands of migrant workers without any due process, and with complete disregard of basic human rights and legal protections.
In the face of these and other hostile governments, we stand united in our commitment to social justice, equity, inclusiveness, and quality public education for all. Democracy and trade unions are intertwined; one cannot thrive without the other. Our fight for democracy includes countering disinformation, organized hatred, and ensuring transparency and accountability in government. The fight for democracy requires strong and democratic trade unions in the community and the workplace, as well as critical thinking and active citizenship in the classroom.
Democracy is more than just free and fair elections; it is about delivering for the people, not the oligarchs who pillage public resources. It is about fighting inequality, intolerance, and advocating for social and climate justice. These are survival issues that build a shared global community.
Education International also joins the International Trade Union Confederation and our sisters and brothers in the global union movement with a ten-point agenda to rebuild democracy and deliver for working people:
- Universal fair taxation,
- Regulation for corporations,
- Public education for all children,
- Public services for the public, not for profit,
- Healthcare, retirement, and social protections,
- Living wages for all working people,
- Climate action and a just transition for people and planet,
- Freedom and equality,
- Peace and solidarity, instead of hate and war,
- Respect for the rights of migrants to work and build a life.
As educators we know history and we teach the future. Since the first May Day in the 1880s, this date has been a moment for workers around the world to come together to celebrate labor solidarity and to push for progress. This May Day, far from being intimidated and retreating, we will continue to advance with solidarity and purpose. Our resolve remains, our determination grows: defending democracy and rights through inclusive, quality public education and union solidarity.
