Substitute teacher on hunger strike, fighting for health insurance coverage for substitute teachers

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A Milwaukee substitute teacher is pledging to stay on a hunger strike until full-time substitute teachers are given health insurance.

“Many MPS subs are one medical emergency away from bankruptcy,” said substitute teacher Alex Brower. “We are asking for the same basic human dignity that MPS educators, administrators, and school board directors are afforded.”

Brower started his hunger strike a week ago. He represents the Substitute Teacher’s Unit with the Milwaukee Teacher’s Union and says the MPS School Board is gambling with the health of substitute teachers.

Brower says healthcare is vital to retaining good teachers. The district is facing a $38 million dollar budget shortfall.