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. Worlds of Education 9 October 2019

    #youngteachers “Trade unions at your side!”, by Michal Horník (ČMOS-PS, Czech Republic).

    Michal Horník

    I have been working in the education sector for five years. It is not a long time but it is not a short time either. I have spent a lot of good time teaching students, cooperating with my colleagues and participating in trade union activities - the activities of The...

    #youngteachers “Trade unions at your side!”, by Michal Horník (ČMOS-PS, Czech Republic).
  2. Worlds of Education 5 October 2019

    #youngteachers “I owe my union activism to my students”, by Anthony Dowling (TUI, Ireland).

    Anthony Dowling

    If you are passing through Glasnevin Cemetery on the outskirts of Dublin City Centre, you may come across the noticeable yet simple gravestone of James Larkin. Engraved on it is ‘James Larkin 1876-1947, The Labour Leader’. Larkin’s Gravestone may be simple but the legacy he left behind is much more...

    #youngteachers “I owe my union activism to my students”, by Anthony Dowling (TUI, Ireland).
  3. Worlds of Education 18 September 2019

    “Global Week of Climate Action: Count us in!”, by Susan Hopgood.

    Susan Hopgood

    Strongest hurricane in recorded history, hottest summer, unprecedented mass bleaching of the coral reef… we have grown accustomed to deal in superlatives. Since 1970, the number of natural disasters worldwide has more than quadrupled to around 400 a year. Scientists have warned us about the extreme weather phenomena climate change...

    “Global Week of Climate Action: Count us in!”, by Susan Hopgood.
  4. Worlds of Education 15 September 2019

    “Education on the International Day of Democracy”, by David Edwards.

    David Edwards

    The United Nations established the International Day of Democracy on the 15th of September in 2007 to promote democracy. In 2019, it is clear that democracy and all the things that go with it like human rights and rule of law need to be defended as well as promoted. Education...

    “Education on the International Day of Democracy”, by David Edwards.
  5. News 9 September 2019

    DRC: EI and its affiliates campaign for free public education

    While they welcomed the news that state sector primary education was to become completely free at the point of use when the government announced its decision to do away with school fees, teachers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have reiterated their concerns about teachers’ salaries and the need...

    DRC: EI and its affiliates campaign for free public education
  6. News 9 September 2019

    Latin America Discusses Rights Violations in the Education Sector

    On Thursday 5 September in Bogotá, Colombia, member organisations of Education International Latin America (EILA) opened a regional meeting to share experiences and discuss rights violations in the education sector in Latin American countries. The meeting aims to establish a network for monitoring and reporting human and labour rights violations...

    Latin America Discusses Rights Violations in the Education Sector
  7. News 6 September 2019

    Colombia: EI condemns threats made against educators’ unions FECODE and ASPU

    Education International (EI) members FECODE and ASPU have been targeted by paramilitary threats. Educators from around the world call on the Colombian government to do its duty: ensure the safety of educators and protect schools as territories of peace.

    Colombia: EI condemns threats made against educators’ unions FECODE and ASPU
  8. News 2 September 2019

    Educators for democracy and human rights: Education International joins Brussels protest in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong

    Today representatives of Education International and other trade unions staged a protest in front of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade office in Brussels to stand against recent police brutality and human rights abuses perpetrated against the people of Hong Kong.

    Educators for democracy and human rights: Education International joins Brussels protest in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong
  9. News 30 August 2019

    Iraq: education union reaffirms commitment to quality public education for all in Kurdistan

    At its 30th Executive Council meeting, the Kurdistan Teachers’ Union emphasised the need for the Iraqi region’s public authorities to ensure quality teacher training, a quality education environment and counter the rampant privatisation in the sector.

    Iraq: education union reaffirms commitment to quality public education for all in Kurdistan
  10. News 27 August 2019

    UK: GCSE results put stress on students and undermine their learning opportunities

    Following the release of the results of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), UK education unions welcome the hard work of students and all those who have supported them, including education professionals, and stress the impact of these tests on students’ well-being and the need for a broad curriculum.

    UK: GCSE results put stress on students and undermine their learning opportunities
  11. News 20 August 2019

    500 days of injustice – We must right the wrong and #FreeLula

    Today, August 20th, marks 500 days of the wrongful imprisonment of former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio ‘Lula’ da Silva. This is a day of action and mobilisation for justice. Educators from around the world stand with their Brazilian colleagues in the call for freedom for President Lula. Join us!

    500 days of injustice – We must right the wrong and #FreeLula