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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 17 February 2021

    Jordan: Education International condemns dissolution of teachers’ union and detention of leaders

    [Update] Education International is calling on workers and unionists to urge the Jordanian authorities to immediately stop harassing the leaders of the Jordanian Teachers Association (JTA) and threatening its very existence. At least 18 JTA teacher unionists were arrested in Irbid, Jordan on Monday 15 February.

    Jordan: Education International condemns dissolution of teachers’ union and detention of leaders
  2. News 15 February 2021

    Education unions defend and promote academic freedom around the world!

    Academic freedom is in a dire state globally, according to attendees at the recent International Further and Higher Education and Research Conference (IFHERC). Organised virtually by Education International, the conference also expressed its solidarity with harassed and imprisoned academics worldwide, especially in Myanmar and Hong Kong.

    Education unions defend and promote academic freedom around the world!
  3. News 5 February 2021

    Iraq: Ongoing trade union training to provide quality remote education

    The Kurdistan Teachers’ Union (KTU) has moved forward with its programme aiming to equip educators with the necessary skills to use new teaching methods related to new technologies and remote teaching and learning.

    Iraq: Ongoing trade union training to provide quality remote education
  4. News 5 February 2021

    Cape Verde: No to COVID-19 and gender-based violence in schools!

    The Federaçao Caboverdiana dos Professores (FECAP) in Cape Verde is campaigning to provide educators with sufficient tools to fight the COVID-19 outbreak and gender-based violence in education institutions.

    Cape Verde: No to COVID-19 and gender-based violence in schools!
  5. News 4 February 2021

    Myanmar: Teachers’ union condemns military coup

    The Myanmar Teachers’ Federation (MTF) is engaging in civil disobedience along with others to protest the military coup of Monday, 1 February. The MTF and other unions issued statements condemning the coup and called for the release of arrested political leaders.

    Myanmar: Teachers’ union condemns military coup
  6. News 25 January 2021

    Malaysia: Union calls for protection of teachers as frontline personnel

    The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has urged Malaysian public authorities to ensure the health and safety of educators delivering presential teaching to public examination students. This call comes after 11 teachers were infected with COVID-19 in the eastern state of Terengganu.

    Malaysia: Union calls for protection of teachers as frontline personnel
  7. News 14 January 2021

    France: Unions prepare to mobilise in face of uncertainty caused by COVID-19

    French education unions have called for a more robust and effective health policy as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. They are also seeking a recognition and improvement of educators’ working and living conditions.

    France: Unions prepare to mobilise in face of uncertainty caused by COVID-19
  8. News 13 January 2021

    Mexico: Irreplaceable role of teachers in the COVID-19 educational process

    As classes resumed across Mexico on 11 January, the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (SNTE) took the opportunity to reiterate that educators are crucial to maintaining a sound education process and quality education despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Classes are being delivered remotely through the Learn at Home programme.

    Mexico: Irreplaceable role of teachers in the COVID-19 educational process
  9. News 12 January 2021

    Hong Kong: International trade union solidarity

    Education International joins other global union federations and the International Trade Union Confederation in welcoming the release of Hong Kong’s top union leader from jail and condemning the continuous harassment of trade unionists, including in the education sector, by public forces.

    Hong Kong: International trade union solidarity
  10. News 8 January 2021

    USA: Education unions condemn attack on democracy

    The National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have reacted to the 6 January’s assault in Washington DC, where rioters encouraged by President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building during a joint session of Congress to certify the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

    USA: Education unions condemn attack on democracy