Milwaukee teachers' union denies plans for sick-out next week amid continued strife over budget

MILWAUKEE -- The head of the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association (MTEA) is denying a radio report that the union has a "sick-out" planned for next week amid continued strife over proposed budget cuts at Milwaukee Public Schools.

WTMJ/620 AM reported on Wednesday, May 9 that teachers were preparing to be off the job and substitutes were told to be unavailable on Monday, May 14.

President Kim Schroeder, said in an email to FOX6 News:

The statement goes on to say they're prepared to fight for the budget their students and families deserve:

MPS officials released this statement:

"They've upped the level of tension. They've upped the expectation that they are going to do something," said Alan Borsuk, Marquette University Law School.

In April, teachers hit the picket line to bring attention to the district's budget proposal. It includes 125 teacher cuts and spending millions less on supplies.

"At least half the teachers in Milwaukee Public Schools were out there that afternoon, but it was after school. It didn't raise an issue of not being on duty," said Borsuk.

Public policy experts say a job action by the union will be risky.

"Once you walk out during the school day, you are opening up yourself to criticism from all sorts of placed. The union response, of course, is this is how we advocate for the kids -- but that's a bit of a tough sell when you are not there in the classroom," said Borsuk.

The next board meeting related to the budget is next week.