Ei-iE

Today marks a historic victory for workers everywhere—and for education unions across the globe. The confirmation that the right to strike is protected under Convention No. 87 of the ILO affirms what education unions and Education International have long defended: freedom of association is meaningless without the power to act collectively, without the right to strike.

Education International has stood at the forefront of efforts to defend and advance the right to strike. From classrooms to national capitals to the ILO itself, education unions have consistently demonstrated that the ability to take collective action is essential to protecting quality public education, good working conditions, and the dignity of the profession.

This ruling validates not only legal arguments—but the daily struggles of educators who organise, mobilise, and, when necessary, strike to defend their students, their professions, and their communities.

At a time when educators face:

• chronic underfunding
• increasing privatisation
• stressful working conditions
• and growing attacks on trade union rights

this decision strengthens our collective capacity and resolve to push back and to build equitable, inclusive, and well-funded public education systems.

Education International and its affiliates welcome this decision as a reaffirmation of the ILO supervisory system and multilateralism, and as a powerful signal that workers’ voices cannot be silenced.

Now, the responsibility lies with governments.

We call on all ILO member states to:

• Fully respect and implement this ruling
• Remove unjustified restrictions on the right to strike
• Engage in genuine, good-faith social dialogue with education unions

For Education International and its members, the right to strike is not just a principle—it is a tool to defend public education and social justice worldwide.