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 9 December 2020

    Iraq: Modern teaching methods focus of education union’s teacher training

    The use of modern teaching methods was at the heart of professional development training organised by the Kurdistan Teachers’ Union (KTU), with the support of Education International (EI), in the Raparin, Koya and Akra regions.

    Iraq: Modern teaching methods focus of education union’s teacher training
  2. News 9 December 2020

    Portugal: Union calls for strike to force government to negotiate

    In Portugal, the Federaçao Nacional dos Professores (FENPROF) has urged educators to go on strike on 11 December. The national action is intended to put pressure on the government and members of Parliament, demanding respect for the profession, improvement of their working and living conditions, and a solution to the...

    Portugal: Union calls for strike to force government to negotiate
  3. News 8 December 2020

    Korea: Educators mourn the death of Lee Dong-Jin, a great education union leader

    Education International and the global education union community is saddened by the passing on 6 December of Lee Dong-Jin (68), a great education unionist, former leader of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) and former member of Education International’s Executive Board.

    Korea: Educators mourn the death of Lee Dong-Jin, a great education union leader
  4. News 8 December 2020

    WIPO’s missed opportunity to produce guidance on copyright exceptions hits education during pandemic

    A legal instrument on copyright exceptions for the use of materials for teaching, learning, research, and the work of cultural heritage organisations is still not available. According to Education International, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) missed an opportunity at its recent Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR)...

    WIPO’s missed opportunity to produce guidance on copyright exceptions hits education during pandemic
  5. News 7 December 2020

    Portugal: Education union calls for adequate framework to ensure the health and safety of teachers in risk groups

    The Federação Nacional da Educação has condemned the fact that the lack of a clear and appropriate national framework to regulate leaves during the pandemic has led to nearly all teachers belonging to high-risk groups still being present in class to teach.

    Portugal: Education union calls for adequate framework to ensure the health and safety of teachers in risk groups
  6. News 4 December 2020

    UK: Education unions react to Department for Education request to authorities to address accountability, workload, funding, qualifications, and inspections

    Teacher unions in the UK have reacted to announcements by the Department for Education (DfE), requesting public authorities to better address educators’ workload, accountability, pay and funding to ensure quality education for all.

    UK: Education unions react to Department for Education request to authorities to address accountability, workload, funding, qualifications, and inspections
  7. News 3 December 2020

    Africa: Teacher unions continue to fight child labour despite Covid-pandemic

    As the Covid-19 crisis poses a threat to achievements made to get children into school and out of work, an online webinar has brought together unionists and experts to strengthen strategies and allow teachers to continue helping students.

    Africa: Teacher unions continue to fight child labour despite Covid-pandemic
  8. News 2 December 2020

    Portugal: Teachers in high-risk groups need improved conditions and options

    The Federação Nacional da Educação (FNE) has highlighted its concerns about the safety of Portuguese teachers and education support personnel (ESP) during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially if they belong to high-risk groups.

    Portugal: Teachers in high-risk groups need improved conditions and options
  9. News 1 December 2020

    Philippines: Global Day of Action

    November 30 was a Global Day of Action on the Philippines. The global trade union movement showed its solidarity with trade unionists and other activists who struggle for human rights and democracy in a country where both are in danger since the election of President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016.

    Philippines: Global Day of Action
  10. News 27 November 2020

    UK: Well-being of education professionals

    On 26 November, Education Support issued its annual index on teacher wellbeing for 2020. Education Support was founded in 2015 but has roots that go back 140 years. It is a respected and authoritative organisation that focuses on mental health and wellbeing of teachers and other education professionals in the...

    UK: Well-being of education professionals
  11. News 26 November 2020

    Webinar | Teachers, Students, and Public Education in the Fight against COVID-19

    On 1 December, Open Society Foundations, Education International and the Global Student Forum are hosting a webinar on the impact of COVID-19 on education and the urgent need to reopen learning institutions confidently and safely.

    Webinar | Teachers, Students, and Public Education in the Fight against COVID-19
  12. News 25 November 2020

    Iran: Halt the Execution of Iranian Academic Ahmadreza Djalali

    Education International has again expressed its deepest concerns about the death sentence against Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali, an Iranian-Swedish medical doctor, lecturer and researcher in emergency medicine. According to Amnesty International, he has been transferred to solitary confinement in Evin prison and told by the authorities that his execution is imminent.

    Iran: Halt the Execution of Iranian Academic Ahmadreza Djalali
  13. News 25 November 2020

    Niger: Trade union unity on skill development and improved working conditions for teachers

    With the help of the of Education International’s COVID-19 Solidarity Fund, the national unions that are members of Education International affiliate structure in Niger (IESNI) have collaborated in the organisation of an Inclusive Education Policy Forum, a skill development workshop for twenty-five female teachers, and the organisation of an awareness-raising...

    Niger: Trade union unity on skill development and improved working conditions for teachers
  14. News 25 November 2020

    Taiwan: Union cites dangers of surveillance cameras in ECE facilities

    The National Teachers’ Association (NTA) of Taiwan is concerned about the installation of surveillance cameras in early childhood education schools. It argues for more effective action against important preoccupations.

    Taiwan: Union cites dangers of surveillance cameras in ECE facilities