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. News 13 March 2007

    Zimbabwe: EI condemns the beating of opposition leaders

    EI was shocked by the use of force at a church-led prayer rally in Harare last Sunday which resulted in one death and many casualties, including women and children.

    Zimbabwe: EI condemns the beating of opposition leaders
  2. News 9 March 2007

    Turkey: Egitim-Sen offices attacked

    Arsonists have attacked and destroyed the offices of the Sakarya branch of EI member organisation Egitim-Sen. Fortunately no one was hurt in the incident.

    Turkey: Egitim-Sen offices attacked
  3. News 15 February 2007

    Netherlands: Former AOb Presidents appointed to new Dutch government

    A new government is being formed after the coalition agreement was presented on 7 February. Two former Presidents of the Algemene Onderwijsbond (AOb) Ella Vogelaar and Jacques Tichelaar were appointed to important positions in the new government.

    Netherlands: Former AOb Presidents appointed to new Dutch government
  4. News 12 February 2007

    EFAIDS Committee Member Located

    Last month we reported on the disappearance of Meqcha Mengistu, Chairperson of the Ethiopian Teachers’ Association (ETA) East Gojam Zonal Executive and member of the ETA Committee for the implementation of the EI/ETA EFAIDS Programme. Mr. Mengistu has now been located and is awaiting trial.

    EFAIDS Committee Member Located
  5. News 12 February 2007

    EI South Asian Roundtable addresses HIV and AIDS

    In December EI organised a round table meeting to raise awareness among its membership on the role of teachers and teachers unions in the fight against HIV and AIDS in the South Asian sub-region.

    EI South Asian Roundtable addresses HIV and AIDS
  6. News 12 February 2007

    Teachers Matter: New Report on HIV in Kenya

    A new study conducted by the Population Council/Horizons Programme finds that teachers are being neglected by initiatives to prevent the spread of HIV and recommends further action to train and provide services to teachers on HIV prevention, care and support and the reduction of stigma.

    Teachers Matter: New Report on HIV in Kenya
  7. News 8 February 2007

    International Master Programmes on Labour and Globalisation for Trade Unionists now open for Application

    As part of the Global Labour University network, EI would like to inform its members that the next academic year of Global Labour University (GLU) is now open for applications. Two Master prgrammes on Labour and Globalisation for trade unionists are offered in 2008-2009 by the network, formed by the...

    International Master Programmes on Labour and Globalisation for Trade Unionists now open for Application
  8. News 7 February 2007

    ASEAN Trade Union Rights Workshop received region-wide support

    A Trade Union Rights Workshop which was held from 14-16 Jan 2007 for EI member organisations from the Southeast Asian region received widespread support from participants from all corners of the region.

    ASEAN Trade Union Rights Workshop received region-wide support
  9. News 30 January 2007

    EI welcomes launch of European Year of Equal Opportunities for All

    On 30 and 31 January 2007 in Berlin, 450 delegates from across Europe will attend the first ever European Equality summit to mark 2007 as European Year of Equal Opportunities as designated by the European Commission.

    EI welcomes launch of European Year of Equal Opportunities for All
  10. News 24 January 2007

    World Economic Forum: the International Trade Union movement challenges Business leaders on Corporate Responsibility

    A delegation of 12 international trade union leaders at the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos this week will be calling companies to account on corporate taxation, the role of private equity investment and the social and environmental responsibilities of business.

    World Economic Forum: the International Trade Union movement challenges Business leaders on Corporate Responsibility
  11. News 23 January 2007

    Guinea: EI condemns killing of demonstrators

    EI joins the call of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in condemning the recent killing of civilians and detention of top union leaders by the Guinean government.

    Guinea: EI condemns killing of demonstrators
  12. News 19 January 2007

    Cambodian unionists do not forget the murder of their leader three years ago

    EI's affiliate in Cambodia, the Cambodia Independent Teachers Association (CITA), and the Cambodia trade union centre (FTUWKC, Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia) will mark the third anniversary of the murder of Chea Vichea, the President of the Cambodia trade union centre. He was gunned down...

    Cambodian unionists do not forget the murder of their leader three years ago
  13. News 17 January 2007

    Ethiopia: Urgent Action Appeal Update

    Below is an update regarding the Urgent Action Appeal launched on 4 January on behalf of elected union officers of the Ethiopian Teachers’ Association (ETA). Your solidarity is still indispensable as the ETA officers in detention continue to be subjected to torture!

    Ethiopia: Urgent Action Appeal Update