MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          September 3, 2021

Subject:     Updates/Survey

Negotiations
We are still awaiting the District’s analysis of the cost of salary step removal (compression) so that we can have it analyzed and also for a date to continue negotiations. Note: We will obtain more information relating to the District’s financial position once they submit what is called the ST-3 form to NYSED this month.

Concurrent/Simultaneous Non-Learning
Although we have advised the District of the detrimental consequences of concurrent/simultaneous non-learning, the District has stated its intention to implement this detrimental procedure.

In consultation with our attorneys, we will be filing a demand to negotiate the impact of this detrimental procedure, (e.g. voluntary, extra support in the room, extra pay, length of time for participation by students, limitation on number of students, etc.) as well as taking other legal action to prevent its implementation.

Teaching and Learning Conditions
Below, please find a link (Please Refer to the Email Sent To You for the Link) to our BTF School/Site Health and Safety Assessment. Initially, we are asking all teachers to respond in order to have a comprehensive assessment of the conditions at your school/site.

Please complete it as soon as you can... by September 19, 2021.

Please stay well. Take no chances.

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          September 3, 2021

Subject:     New (September 2, 2021) NYSDOH PreK-12 Guidance

Attached, (Click Here) please find a copy of the NYSDOH Pre-K–12 guidance.

I have quickly underlined some parts. There are some parts that might have been missed so that a copy could be sent to you.

We will continue to work to ensure that our schools are and remain safe for our students, parents, staff and community.

As always, any teacher who is threatened with discipline, should immediately contact their LRS (Click Here), so that you will have representation and be defended.

Please stay well. Take no chances.

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          September 10, 2021

Subject:     Health Assessment/Updates

BTF Health/Safety Assessment
Thank you to those who have already completed the BTF Health and Safety Assessment and to those who are in the process of completing the information as school proceeds and the opening problems begin to be overcome. (BTF School/Site Heath and Safety Assessment - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9Z2X762)

It has been very difficult; however, as always, Buffalo teachers find a way to pull together to overcome obstacles.

You are the best… no, the very best.

Please report any serious issues to your LRS (Click Here) and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible.

Vaccinations/Testing
While Buffalo teachers overwhelmingly support vaccinations and testing, we realize that some, for medical and other serious reasons, have declined one or both.

As with any such issue, if you are directed to take an action for which you have concerns:

• Contact your LRS (Click Here).
• Advise the administrator(s) in writing (email) of the reasons for which you believe you should be exempt from said directive.
• Keep a copy of your correspondence and any response from the administrator(s).
• Send copies of all correspondence to your LRS.

Negotiations
September 16, 2021, was tentatively scheduled by the mediator; however, the District’s lead negotiator will be out of town on that date.

The mediator is working to determine another date that works for both parties.

Neither we, nor the mediator, have received the requested salary compression (step decrease) cost analysis the District stated it had done. I wonder why?

As per the President’s Report, salary compression, as are salary increases, are critical issues, and no, we will not agree to the removal of healthcare for retirees.

In September, the District is required to submit what is called an ST-3 to NYSED. The ST-3 provides a complete documentation of the District’s financial and staffing statistics. This will be added to the analysis with which NYSUT has already provided us.

We will not rush into a new contract for the sake of just getting it done.

We will continue to fight for a contract that reflects your tremendous dedication to our students, parents, community and one another.

And yes, it will be retroactive.

Stay Tuned.

Concurrent/Simultaneous Non-Instruction
As per the Taylor Law, we have filed a demand to negotiate the impact of not only what is being called concurrent (simultaneous) instruction (non-instruction), but also synchronous/non-synchronous instruction, e.g. being voluntary, class size/load, additional staff in room, reasons for inclusion, emergency only (limited time), training, equipment, procedure for inclusion, etc.

We have also filed a grievance and are looking at other legal avenues.

Three Feet/Six Feet
There is great confusion as to how three (3) and six (6) feet are measured. We have contacted NYSUT, our State affiliate, who is working to secure answers (if there are any!).

We are also checking on some schools apparently having students facing each other unmasked at lunch tables.

Please advise your LRS if this is occurring at your school/site.

More Safety Concerns
Teachers are reporting that some administrators, students and staff are walking through the halls without or with incorrectly placed masks.

This obviously risks the spread of the virus.

Please ensure that this does not occur. If it continues, notify your LRS.

We can’t take any chances. All it takes is one person to unknowingly spread the virus to others causing great harm.

Please stay well. Take no chances.

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          September 13, 2021

Subject:     Negotiations Updates

Negotiations
We have confirmed that the next scheduled negotiations session will be on September 28, 2021.

We will be reviewing the District’s “analysis” of salary compression, comparing it with ours and discussing further proposals.

Once again, we will not rush into an agreement. We will continue to fight for a contract that reflects your dedication and support for our students, parents, community and one another.

Phone Problems
The BTF and surrounding area have, for over a week, been experiencing phone outages and problems.

If you have called only to receive a busy signal or similar issue, we have been informed that they are continuing to work on the problem. If necessary, as you know, you can contact your LRS (Click Here).

BTF Health/Safety Assessment
Thank you again to those who have completed our Health and Safety Assessment.

Once again, this one is open to all teachers. (BTF School/Site Health and Safety Assessment - See Email for Link)

If possible, we would like your initial input by September 19, 2021.

Thank you again.

District COVID-19 Log
The District website for District COVID-19 cases is https://www.buffaloschools.org/Page/96927

Please stay well. Take no chances.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          September 21, 2021

Subject:     Services for Edith LeWin (Edie) – Updates

Services for Edie
Services for Edie will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021. Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Carlton A. Ullrich Funeral Home, Inc., 8630 Transit Road, East Amherst 14051 with a service beginning at 11:00 am at the Funeral Home. “Committal” to follow at Elmlawn Cemetery, 3939 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, NY 14217. The obituary will be in The Buffalo News on Wednesday, September 22 and Thursday, September 23, 2021.

The BTF office will be closed on Friday, September 24, 2021 so that our staff can attend the services for Edie.

Thank you for your understanding.

BTF Endorsement
As is often the case, The Buffalo News incorrectly indicated that the BTF had endorsed India Walton for Mayor of Buffalo in the general election.

That is not true.

We endorsed her and some others for the primary election. At its October meeting, the Council of Delegates, as per our procedures, will vote on endorsements in the general elections.

The statement made by the Mayor to James Heaney of the Investigative Post, reported in The Buffalo News article, that many found troubling, can be found here. (https://youtu.be/33doHFraFyk)

Teachers who called me, and others who commented at the time, questioned if he would have made both statements if the reporter was a reporter of color.

That he made the statements at all is what troubled me is what I relayed to all that called.

Possible Illegal Strike
We have been advised that correspondence is circulating in some school districts calling for a “Massive Call-In Sick-Day” on Wednesday, September 22, 2021.

This is apparently in reaction to the actions taken by the “superintendents, boards, governor and legislators” relating to COVID-19 and its variants and to “Bring the District to Their Knees”.

The BTF does not support or condone this “Massive Call-In Sick Day”.

Please be advised that if you participate, this might be construed as an unlawful strike under the Taylor Law and the District could, among other things, proceed to deduct two days of your pay for each day that such conduct occurs, as well as bring disciplinary action against you seeking your suspension without pay and/or your termination of employment.

While BTF stands ready to pursue issues through grievance and other contract action, please be advised that BTF does not authorize, approve, condone, consent, support or recommend unlawful strike activity such as said “Massive Call-In Sick Day” and strongly advises that members do not engage in such conduct.

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          September 17, 2021

Subject:     BTF Health and Safety Assessment / Simultaneous Update

Once again, thank you for taking time out of what has been a crazy opening. We know things have been changing daily.

If you can find the time to complete our BTF Health and Safety Assessment, so that we have some information on the status of your school, it will be appreciated.

We have set the end time for this, the first BTF Health and Safety Assessment, for 11:59 pm on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Click Here)

Thank you again. We know you have much (tons) on your plates.

Concurrent/Simultaneous Non-Instruction
In answer to our Taylor Law demand to negotiate the impact of not only simultaneous but all forms of virtual instruction, the District has agreed to two (2) dates, October 28 and 29, 2021.

As this is an immediate issue, we will be seeking earlier dates.

Please stay well. Take no chances.