Ei-iE

Union growth

All teachers and education support personnel have the right to organise and be part of a union that represents and defends their values and interests. However, around the world, education unions are facing serious attacks and operate in increasingly challenging and hostile environments. Revitalising unions, building their power by boosting membership and active participation and maximising impact is the way forward.

Our work in this area

  1. News 20 March 2006

    Trinidad & Tobago: Security concerns lead to protests

    Members of EI affiliate the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) are being supported by parents in their protest over security concerns at schools.

    Trinidad & Tobago: Security concerns lead to protests
  2. News 15 March 2006

    Algeria: re-establishment of social partnership

    EI's protest letter dated 22 Feb to the Minister of Education in support of its Algerian affiliates, the "Union nationale des travailleurs de l’éducation et de la formation" (UNPEF) and the "Syndicat autonome des travailleurs de l’éducation et de la formation" (SATEF) seems to bear fruit.

    Algeria: re-establishment of social partnership
  3. News 3 March 2006

    Algeria: government threatens to dissolve teacher union

    EI is appalled that the two strike actions within an interval of one month by both primary and secondary school teachers did not convince the Algerian government to enter into negotiations with the Inter-Union Coordination of National Education (CITE), to which EI affiliates the "Union nationale des travailleurs de l’éducation...

    Algeria: government threatens to dissolve teacher union
  4. News 2 March 2006

    Ethiopia: international collaboration for the release of teacher unionist

    EI is working with partner Global Union Federations, the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), as well as Amnesty International for the release of Kassahun Kebede, chairperson of the Addis Ababa branch of EI affiliate, the Ethiopian Teachers' Association (ETA).

    Ethiopia: international collaboration for the release of teacher unionist
  5. News 1 March 2006

    Cambodia: CITA thanks EI affiliates for their international solidarity

    Due to the international solidarity actions from EI affiliates around the world, Rong Chhun, President of the Cambodian Independent Teachers’ Association (CITA) was finally released on bail. Upon his release, he and other members of CITA thank colleagues around the world for their support and assistance.

    Cambodia: CITA thanks EI affiliates for their international solidarity
  6. News 17 February 2006

    Nepal: All teachers' union leaders have been released but situation remains volatile

    EI has received information from its members in Nepal that all teachers' union leaders have been released from detention - the last one being released on Feb 16. EI affiliates in Nepal - NTA, NNTA and TUN - thank all EI member organisations for their support. It is obvious that...

    Nepal: All teachers' union leaders have been released but situation remains volatile
  7. News 17 February 2006

    Georgia: EI’s letter of protest to the President and Minister of Education & Science

    Education International has written to Mikheil Saakashvili, the president of the Republic of Georgia, and Alexander Lomaia the minister of education & science, in support of affiliate the Educators and Scientists Free Trade Union of Georgia.

    Georgia: EI’s letter of protest to the President and Minister of Education & Science
  8. News 15 February 2006

    Iran: Union day of action

    The Global Union Federations are supporting the international day of action in support of Iranian unionists following the continuing repression against the Trade Union of the Greater Teheran United Bus Company (Sherkate-Vahed).

    Iran: Union day of action
  9. News 15 February 2006

    EI monitors the situation in Nepal

    EI and other trade union bodies are monitoring the situation in Nepal closely, as hundreds of pro-democracy activists are still detained across the country.

    EI monitors the situation in Nepal
  10. News 14 February 2006

    UK: Peter Smith, former ATL general secretary dies

    Former general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), and member of EI’s European Committee, Peter Smith, has died at the age of 65.

    UK: Peter Smith, former ATL general secretary dies
  11. News 9 February 2006

    EI on Danish cartoon row: extra attention should be paid to teaching democracy and human rights

    "Apparently, there is a reciprocal lack of understanding about the crucial importance of fundamental human rights like freedom of expression, that constitute the basis of democratic societies, and on the other hand, the religious feelings of millions of people in Muslim countries," said EI General Secretary Fred van Leeuwen, when...

    EI on Danish cartoon row: extra attention should be paid to teaching democracy and human rights
  12. News 7 February 2006

    Nepal: EI protests against the arrest of teacher trade unionists

    EI sent a message to the King of Nepal, strongly protesting against the massive arrests of human rights activists, including teachers belonging to its affiliated teacher unions in the country.

    Nepal: EI protests against the arrest of teacher trade unionists
  13. News 2 February 2006

    Four Canadian unions sign pact to protect collective bargaining

    EI affiliate the Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF) has joined three other labour organisations and formally signed a Mutual Aid and Assistance pact to promote and protect collective bargaining in Canada.

    Four Canadian unions sign pact to protect collective bargaining
  14. News 1 February 2006

    Cambodia: Charges Against CITA President dropped

    Please be informed that the charges against Rong Chhun President of the Cambodia Independent Teachers’ Association (CITA), and Kem Sokha, President of the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights (CCHR), Pa Nguon Teang, Deputy President of the CCHR, who were released on 17 January 2006, have been dropped. The charges against...

    Cambodia: Charges Against CITA President dropped
  15. News 1 February 2006

    Bahamas: Strike averted as negotiations begin

    EI affiliate the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) has decided not to take industrial action as they prepare to start negotiations with government negotiators over the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

    Bahamas: Strike averted as negotiations begin