May 4, 2012
Eight teachers of adult ESL and many of their students
have left their classrooms saying ongoing health issues have become
intolerable.
Teachers and students have experienced vomiting, nausea,
headaches and irritated eyes. It is believed that the problem is with
the air quality, however the cause is still unclear. The school site is
located in a strip mall next to a large fitness centre. Chlorine fumes
from the fitness centre pool have been a problem over the past few
years, but do not explain the recent acceleration of health issues.
OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas, is calling for
immediate action. “Teachers as well as students have serious, escalating
health and safety concerns,” said Thomas. “The cause of the problem must
be identified and dealt with before classes can safely resume.”
“I am deeply worried about the health and safety issues
that the teachers and students are facing,” said Robyn Lambe, President
of OPSEU local 283. “At this point we don’t even know what they are
being exposed to.”
“I am especially proud of the students for taking a
stand with their teachers. Many of these students are new to Canada, and
it is a big deal for them to speak out on this issue,” said Lambe.
“These students have a dilemma,” said Lambe. “They are
committed to coming to school to improve their English skills, but are
also afraid of the risks that entails for their health. They should not
have to make that choice.”
The Ministry of Labour undertook another round of air
testing on Thursday May 3 after a first round of tests was inconclusive.
During the inspector’s visit they witnessed a student have an attack of
vomiting.
Teachers will report to work at 9 am on Friday morning
but will not re-enter the building until they hear the results of the
new tests and their safety is ensured.
The Peel District Board of Education school site in
question is the Bramalea Campus also known as the Adult Education Centre
North. It is located at 25 Kings Cross Road in Brampton. It offers
daytime, evening, and night classes, and receives funding from the
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
For more information please contact:
Robyn Lambe, OPSEU local 283 President 416-540-4538
Greg McVeigh, Staff Representative
1-800-268-7376 x5200
