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. Worlds of Education 20 June 2019

    “The Fast Track for Newly Arrived Teachers in Sweden: the union’s perspective”, by Patrik Ribe.

    Patrik Ribe

    In 2015 the number of immigrants seeking asylum in Sweden reached record numbers. In total, Sweden received 163 000 asylum seeking refugees that year. For us. as a teachers’ union, it was natural to contribute to the creation of a system that would make good use of the teaching competence...

    “The Fast Track for Newly Arrived Teachers in Sweden: the union’s perspective”, by Patrik Ribe.
  2. Worlds of Education 20 June 2019

    “World Refugee Day: Stop Fencing out Democracy”, by David Edwards.

    David Edwards

    In her 1948 speech concluding the work of the nascent UN Commission on Human Rights, Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Democracy, freedom, human rights have come to have a definite meaning to the people of the world which we must not allow any nation to so change that they are made synonymous...

    “World Refugee Day: Stop Fencing out Democracy”, by David Edwards.
  3. News 13 June 2019

    Former EI President Thulas Nxesi appointed to South Africa’s cabinet

    Education international and the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union welcome the decision of the President of South Africa’s to appoint former President of Education International, Cde Thulas Nxesi, to the Cabinet of South Africa as Minister of Labour and Employment.

    Former EI President Thulas Nxesi appointed to South Africa’s cabinet
  4. News 27 May 2019

    Iraqi educators take stock of the education system in the Kurdistan region of Iraq

    Education trade unionists belonging to the Kurdistan Teachers’ Union and the Iraqi Teachers’ Union took stock of the situation of education in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, urging the responsible public authorities to make education a priority and allocate an appropriate budget to it.

    Iraqi educators take stock of the education system in the Kurdistan region of Iraq
  5. Worlds of Education 22 May 2019

    “The Italian school system is in danger”, by Francesco Sinopoli.

    Francesco Sinopoli

    The General Secretary of the Federation of Knowledge Workers of the Italian General Confederation of Labour reacted to the suspension of Rosa Maria Dell’Aria, a teacher from Palermo. The teacher was penalised in this manner because it was alleged that she did not supervise the work of her 14-16 year-old...

    “The Italian school system is in danger”, by Francesco Sinopoli.
  6. Worlds of Education 22 May 2019

    “Attacks on democracy and teachers in Italy”, by David Edwards,

    David Edwards

    Extreme Right parties, often populist and nationalist, have become stronger than in any time since the Second World War. We have witnessed a return of racist, xenophobic and authoritarian policies and politics on all continents of the world.

    “Attacks on democracy and teachers in Italy”, by David Edwards,
  7. News 22 May 2019

    In Italy, unions mobilise to defend academic freedom

    After the suspension of a teacher for the contents of a video produced by her students, the Italian education unions are taking action to denounce an attack on academic freedom and a serious threat to democracy.

    In Italy, unions mobilise to defend academic freedom
  8. News 21 May 2019

    Jordan: the national Labour Law should uphold trade union rights, not deny them

    Education International is in solidarity with its member organisation in Jordan, who challenge the amendments made by parliament to the labour law and signed by the King that make the labour law weaker, when there is a compelling need to make it stronger.

    Jordan: the national Labour Law should uphold trade union rights, not deny them
  9. News 17 May 2019

    Brazil: Teachers bring country to a halt and demand end of cuts

    The first national mobilization since the start of Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency brought the country to a halt and sent a clear message of opposition to the government’s policies.

    Brazil: Teachers bring country to a halt and demand end of cuts
  10. Worlds of Education 16 May 2019

    “Education Support Personnel: Shining light on the invisible workforce”, by Philippa Butler.

    Philippa Butler

    Education Support Personnel (ESP) are a vital part of the education workforce. They help to do all the background tasks and hidden duties that ensure that teachers can teach and students can learn. Together with teachers and school leaders, ESP are responsible for creating and sustaining a school culture where...

    “Education Support Personnel: Shining light on the invisible workforce”, by Philippa Butler.
  11. News 6 May 2019

    The VIIth Mongolian Teachers’ Congress reaffirms the importance to promote and invest in quality public education

    Nearly 800 delegates from every corner of Mongolia participated in the VIIth Mongolian Teachers’ Congress, where the Prime Minister informed participants of the increase of the national budget allocated to the public education sector and teachers’ continuous professional development.

    The VIIth Mongolian Teachers’ Congress reaffirms the importance to promote and invest in quality public education
  12. Worlds of Education 2 May 2019

    "Industrial Revolutions, Rebellions and Civil Society: Lessons from History", by Robert Trevennel Harris.

    Robert Trevennel Harris

    The events of 1968 in France, which shook the fifth Republic to its core, are sometimes mentioned in connection with the current yellow vest movement. A more relevant historical comparison is 1848 - the year of the "People’s Spring” revolutions.

    "Industrial Revolutions, Rebellions and Civil Society: Lessons from History", by Robert Trevennel Harris.