Unions Advocate for Safe Education and Workplace Free from Violence, Condemn Right-Wing Attacks
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Unions are increasingly focused on addressing violence – not just physical, but also systemic – that impacts workers, students, and the right to quality public education. This includes fighting for fair wages, safe working conditions, access to comprehensive education, and protection against harassment. A recent resolution passed at the 2024 Education International (EI) World Congress underscores a firm commitment to defending democracy and resisting attacks on public education from populist and far-right movements, particularly in Latin America.
Addressing Violence in Education and the Workplace
Historically, unions have taken a leading role in identifying and combating various forms of violence. This extends beyond traditional workplace safety concerns to encompass issues like inadequate compensation, precarious employment, barriers to education, and excessive workloads. These issues are now exacerbated by the digital realm and compounded by under-resourced educational systems. Specifically, the lack of support professionals within schools directly affects both working women and students’ access to a safe, equitable, and well-funded education.
Unions champion a comprehensive and scientifically grounded education that incorporates human rights and sexual education as essential components for building just and egalitarian societies. They also support international instruments like ILO Convention 190, which aims to strengthen the fight against violence and harassment in the world of work. This convention requires countries to take steps to prevent and address violence and harassment, including gender-based violence, in the workplace.
Defending Education Against populism and the Extreme Right
The 10th Education International (EI) World Congress, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2024, saw affiliated organizations approve a resolution specifically addressing the threat to democracy posed by populism and the extreme right. These movements are actively seeking to restrict access to crucial educational content, including human rights, comprehensive sexual education, and gender perspectives, particularly in Latin American countries.
The resolution reflects a growing concern that these ideologies aim to undermine the principles of inclusive and equitable education. By limiting access to details and critical thinking skills, these groups seek to control narratives and suppress dissent. The EI and its affiliates are committed to resisting these efforts and upholding the right to a public education that promotes social justice and equality.
Key Takeaways
* Expanding definition of Violence: Unions recognize violence extends beyond physical harm to include systemic inequities in education and the workplace.
* Importance of Comprehensive Education: Human rights and sexual education are vital for building just societies.
* ILO Convention 190: This international agreement provides a framework for preventing and addressing workplace violence and harassment.
* Resistance to right-Wing Attacks: Unions are actively defending public education against attempts to restrict access to essential content.
Looking Ahead
The fight for safe, equitable, and inclusive education and workplaces is ongoing. Unions will continue to advocate for policies and resources that protect workers and students, promote human rights, and resist the forces of populism and extremism. Continued international collaboration, like that fostered by Education International, will be crucial in addressing these challenges and ensuring that all individuals have the chance to thrive.