International Workers’ Day 2026: Defending the Rights of Education Workers in Africa
On this International Workers’ Day, Education International Africa (EI Africa) stands in solidarity with education workers across the continent and around the world.
Teachers and education support personnel are the backbone of public education systems. Their work sustains societies and shapes future generations. Yet too many education workers in Africa face insecurity, low pay, precarious employment, unsafe working conditions, and violations of their fundamental rights.
EI Africa calls for decent work and fair pay for all education workers. Salaries must be paid on time, reflect the cost of living and status of the profession. Governments must end salary arrears and poverty wages. Quality public education cannot exist without motivated and properly compensated teachers.
We demand an end to precarious employment in education. The widespread use of short-term and casual contracts undermines professionalism and stability. Education workers deserve permanent jobs, pensions, and social protection.
EI Africa remains concerned about the lack of safety and dignity for education workers. Overcrowded classrooms, lack of resources, and excessive workloads continue to affect teaching and learning. We strongly condemn harassment, intimidation, and arrests of union leaders and education workers. Freedom of association and collective bargaining are fundamental rights and must be respected.
We reaffirm the importance of social dialogue. Governments must engage education unions in meaningful consultations. Education policies must be shaped with teachers, not imposed on them. Public education requires sustained public investment, not austerity or privatization.
On this day, we also highlight the need for gender equality in education. Women education workers face discrimination, insecurity, and gender-based violence. Their rights, safety, and leadership must be protected and promoted.
EI Africa stands in solidarity with workers everywhere who continue to fight for justice, dignity, and equality. The struggle for workers’ rights is inseparable from the struggle for quality public education.
On this May Day, we call on governments to:
- Respect education workers’ rights.
- Invest in public education.
- Strengthen social dialogue.
- Build a fairer future for all.