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.
On 10 December, Human Rights Day, the global trade union movement is coming together to stand with trade unionists and all those who defend human rights in the Philippines. Join us!
10 December | Solidarity with human and trade union rights defenders in the Philippines
On 25 November – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – global trade unions join forces and call on governments to ratify ILO Convention 190 and Recommendation 206 on violence and harassment in the world of work without delay.
#RatifyC190: mobilising for a world of work free from violence and harassment
This UN Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, trade unions are calling on governments to act swiftly to ratify ILO Convention 190.
Statement | It’s time to #RatifyC190
Education International’s Executive Board has condemned the situation in Bolivia, stating that it “firmly and unanimously condemns on behalf of its 32 million members the coup d'état that took place last 11 November”.
Bolivia: global education union leaders firmly condemn the coup d’état
During its 55th meeting in Brussels on November 19-21, the Executive Board of Education International (EI) adopted a resolution condemning the violence against peaceful protestors in Chile and demanding respect for students, teachers and civil society.
Chile: educators demand an end to the violence
On 21 November, trade unions and social organisations called for a major mobilisation in defence of life, peace, public education and the rights of teachers and the Colombian people.
Colombia: National Strike for Life and Peace Unites Society
In the face of the on-going violence against protesters and democracy defenders in Hong Kong, Education International (EI) and its members are mobilising to show support for those who defend the values of democracy, justice and liberties.
Hong Kong: Educators stand with democracy defenders
This blog post presents two major critiques of the SABER-Teachers domain: The World Bank’s inconsistent use of empirical evidence in order to promote policies that reflect its ideological biases related to teachers and the teaching profession, and the way the SABER-Teachers domain framework paper serves to de-professionalize teachers.
#SABERexposed "Teachers in the World Bank's SABER", by Melanie Baker Robbins.
The new web application launched by the ILO’s Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV) gives an overview of the principles and standards for freedom of association and explains ILO procedures and bodies that can help to secure and promote freedom of association across the world.
How to secure and promote freedom of association? New ILO web application provides a guide for workers
On 24 October, two EI affiliates in Zimbabwe, the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) and Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) submitted a petition to Parliament, calling on the government to grant full collective bargaining rights to public sector workers.
Zimbabwe: Time’s up- no more delays! Teachers’ unions submit petition on collective bargaining rights to Parliament
The Iraqi Teachers’ Union called for a four-day strike starting on 28 October in solidarity with demonstrators urging public authorities to provide jobs, quality public services and to put an end to a political system that has failed them.
Iraq: educators join nationwide demonstration
Research on the current state of unions in the world, commissioned by the Bureau for Workers’ Activities on the occasion of the International Labour Organisation’s Centenary celebration, shows that trade unions have enormous challenges ahead of them.
Trade union renewal, a global challenge
Education International (EI) condemns the abduction of seven teachers from their school in Northern Mali this 25 October. The seven male teachers from Korientze, a rural community 105 km from the city of Mopti, have been abducted during class by a Jihadist group.
Mali: Seven teachers abducted from their school by Jihadist group
Two members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers, the Education International affiliate in the Philippines, were targeted in an armed attack on their school. One suffered multiple gunshot wounds and is currently in hospital, with the union reporting she is being held prisoner by police forces.
Philippines: International outrage at attempted extrajudicial killing of education union members
According to one of Education International’s affiliates in Iraq, the Kurdistan Teachers’ Union, the Turkish attack in Northeastern Syria has already caused immense loss, with 18 teachers and 22 students killed, 810 schools damaged, 22 schools destroyed, and 86,000 students unable to attend classes. 5,000 refugees are reported to have...
Syria: Education union reports terrible toll of Turkish military aggression in Northeastern Syria
In the era of fake news, media literacy is essential for democracies the world over. Educators play a crucial role in helping their students become responsible and discerning citizens who can navigate the increasingly complex media landscape and make informed decisions.
Global Media and Information Literacy Week: education nurtures informed, engaged and empowered citizens
Education unions have expressed their support for the legitimate demands of hundreds of thousands of citizens calling for radical change in a political system accused of corruption, confessionalism and clientelism, and an end to the endless economic crisis plaguing Lebanon.
Lebanon: educators join nationwide protests calling for political and economic change
The online magazine ‘Education Journal’ recently published in its edition 385 a report of Education International’s eighth World Congress in Bangkok by EI Senior Consultant, John Bangs. Education Journal has agreed to its publication for Worlds of Education. It has been slightly edited for EI’s global audience.
“Education International. Eighth World Congress”, by John Bangs.