http://www.care2.com/causes/education/blog/milwaukee-teachers-go-to-court-to-restore-viagra-drug-coverage/The Milwaukee teachers' union filed suit to restore Viagra to the list of prescription drugs covered under the district's health care plan. The union claims that the exclusion of Viagra is discriminatory because prescription options for female sexual dysfunction remain covered.
Even as the union fights to get its Viagra back, they also continue to protest the layoffs of 482 teachers in June -- the first such layoffs in decades.
Budget Issues
Lawyers for the school district point out that Viagra was taken off the prescription drug schedule back in 2005 to save money. The pills, which cost $20 each and were added to coverage for employees and retirees in 2002, became so popular they were costing the district nearly a million dollars a year. Now that the district is facing budget shortfalls and laying off teachers, there should be no question over reinstating a drug that's use is purely recreational, as opposed to medical.
Gender Discrimination
The battle to reinstate Viagra has dragged on for two years, with the union claiming this is strictly a gender discrimination issue. This claim is made despite the district not paying for infertility treatments for women either, as that is not medically necessary, but rather a lifestyle option.
What Viagra Really Costs
Reinstating Viagra now would cost the district $786,000 a year, which is roughly the equivalent of 12 first year teachers. Some state legislators question whether the teachers' union is choosing its battles wisely, given the economic climate.
What Do You Think?
Unions exist for the purpose of ensuring that employees are treated fairly. But what responsibility does the union have to students too? And when do the needs of students outweigh the needs of teachers? And are needs and wants being confused?
Tell us your stories. What is going on in your school district?
Topic: Milwaukee Teachers Want Their Viagra Back! (Read 1600 times)