Global unemployment is expected to grow substantially this year. The Education International global union is trying to do something about it.

Radio Labour's C Marie Ainsborough reports.

"More than 60 participants from over 40 countries are meeting in Brussels this week to figure out how to grow employment in the education sector.

The conference has been organized by Education International. EI is the global union federation which represents teachers and other education workers at the world level.

The challenges being addressed by the delegates include contract types and salary scales, collective bargaining rights, and legal assistance for teacher unionists.

David Edwards, a Deputy General Secretary of EI emphasized the importance of defending the teaching profession, doing what is best for societies, and sharing what works with other teachers.

Education International is the world’s largest federation of unions. It represents more than 32 million education employees who are members of about 400 labour organizations. EI operates in 170 countries and territories.