Two Teacher Unions want Moratorium on Wifi in the Classroom

KINGSTON, ON, March 21, 2016 /CNW/ - On the first day back from March break the two biggest teacher unions in Kingston, Ontario say their school Board should turn off WiFi routers in all elementary and high schools, until they're declared safe.

"WiFi emits microwave radiation and it's linked to cancer by the World Health Organization," said Andrea Loken, Kingston area President of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF).  "No teacher has consented to be exposed to this. Nor has the Board ever warned us about it," she said.

The union local has officially alerted Limestone District School Board in Kingston, that WiFi radiation is on the same cancer watch-list as DDT and car exhaust.

"The Occupational Health and Safety Act now requires the Board to offer alternatives, such as commonly available ethernet cables," said Loken, who's motion has full support from the teachers in Kingston's elementary schools.

"There is increasing evidence that WiFi radiation is not safe in the classroom," said Debi Wells, Kingston Vice President of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario. "Since we're not allowed to turn it off like we can at home, the Board must explain why alternatives are not provided," said Wells.

The danger from mandatory WiFi in the classroom is echoed by the Canadian Teacher's Federation which states on its website; "teachers are rightly concerned for their personal safety and the safety of the children in their care."

Former Microsoft Canada President Frank Clegg, who is now CEO of Canadian's For Safe Technology, said school Boards are ignoring the mounting evidence of both cancer and infertility for the teachers and students exposed to all day WiFi.

"I've been shocked by the negligence of school Boards in Peel, Simcoe County, Waterloo Region and others across Canada," said Clegg.  "The Kingston Board is different.  It has the support of its two biggest unions so it's in a unique position to recognize that WiFi comes with an unnecessary risk," he said.

The Limestone District School Board in Kingston is expected to issue a report on the safety of its WiFi system in coming weeks.

More information: www.C4ST.org

Inquiries: [email protected]

SOURCE C4ST: Canadians For Safe Technology

Interviews: Andrea Loken, OSSTF President Limestone District, 613-546-6985; Debi Wells, 1st VP, ETFO Limestone Local, 613-329-5901