MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          September 29, 2021

Subject:     Updates

Negotiations
On Tuesday, September 28, 2021, we and the District met with PERB mediator Gregory Poland.

It was determined that it was important that both the BTF and District, whether we agree or not, have an understanding of the calculations each used to determine the costs of various salary compression projections.

We all agreed to further review said calculations and further clarify other issues.

As relayed previously, we are awaiting the District’s filing with NYSED of what is called the ST-3. It is submitted at the beginning of October. It contains important District financial, employment, grant, etc. information that we use.

The mediator has advised us that he will be sending future meeting dates.

We will not rush into a mediocre contract. We will not stop until we have a contract that rewards you for all that you have endured and done for your students… nothing less. Yes, it will be retroactive.

Building Safety and Health Issues
Please notify your LRS (Click Here) of serious safety/health issues in your building. They will be forwarded to the District.

If they persist, notify your LRS that they have not been addressed. If necessary, we will notify the Board and media.

Personal Safety/Health Concerns
Once again, if you are asked to perform a duty/action which you believe is inappropriate, you believe is a violation of your contractual or other rights, notify your LRS (Click Here).

What Do You Say Phil?
Masks/Testing/Vaccinations
I have been asked what my response has been to those who do not support being vaccinated against COVID-19 and its variants.

My response to those who have asked me why people should get vaccinated for the COVID-19 and its variants “since you can still get it if you have been vaccinated” usually is:

• If you have been fully vaccinated, your chance of serious physical harm, illness, or death is very small.
• You most likely would not have been infected if the other person(s) had been fully vaccinated, i.e. not infected with the virus.

There are of course many other reasons that people have chosen to be vaccinated, e.g. to protect themselves as well as others, etc.

There are also many reasons that people have chosen to not be vaccinated, e.g. religion, physical, etc.

As educators we, rather than fight with those with whom we differ, have always tried to discuss our differences and understand, while possibly continuing to disagree with, the position of others.

Please note that while not all possibilities were asked, Buffalo teachers voted as follows:

“I support requiring teachers and staff being vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and its variants, unless there are reasons, such as: religious, medical (immunocompromised, pregnancy, adverse reactions to similar vaccines, a doctor's advice, etc.) that cause the teacher to not become vaccinated. If a teacher is not vaccinated, the District must make testing available at their school/site at no cost to them. If a teacher is disciplined by the District as a result of their not being vaccinated, the BTF, as per the BTF contract, will defend said teacher.”

I Agree with the Above Statement - 68.62% (1,432)
I Disagree with the Above Statement - 21.95% (458)
Neither Agree Nor Disagree - 9.44% (197)

Please stay well. Take no chances.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          October 1, 2021

Subject:     Support Our Healthcare Workers

THEY ARE AND HAVE BEEN HERE FOR US.
WE ARE AND WILL BE HERE FOR THEM.

Buffalo Teachers Picket with Our Healthcare Colleagues

DATE
Saturday, October 2, 2021

TIME
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

WHERE
Mercy Hospital of Buffalo
565 Abbott Rd, Buffalo, NY 14220

Please Wear Your BTF Logo – Shirts, Jackets, Etc. – We Will Have Stickers

If you want, Bring some Food – Fruit, Cookies, Etc

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          October 6, 2021

Subject:     Updates

BTF Office/COVID
Thankfully, all but the person who tested positive at BTF have tested negative.

We are back at full strength.

Thank you for understanding.

Negotiations – Contract
We are in the process of working with NYSUT to evaluate the District’s salary compression calculations and its financial position. As mentioned previously, we are awaiting a copy of what is called the District’s ST-3, which is usually submitted by October 1st. This will enable us to prove that the District has the resources to provide Buffalo teachers with a superior contract – one that reflects your undiminished dedication and commitment to your students in these extraordinarily difficult times… nothing less!

Negotiations – Concurrent/Virtual Instruction
We will begin what is called “Impact Bargaining” with the District on October 29, 2021. “Impact Bargaining” gives unions the right to bargain the impact of some requirements imposed by an employer.

We will be opposing the use of concurrent/simultaneous instruction as well as seeking other protections and supports for any virtual instruction.

If you are providing concurrent/simultaneous instruction, please advise us (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) of the following:

Grade/Subject
Number of In-person Students
Number of Concurrent Students

It appears that most surrounding Districts are not instituting this damaging/anti-learning process.

Stay Tuned.

The Healthcare Workers’ Strike
First, thank you to those who, on very short notice, joined us on the Healthcare workers’ picket line on October 2, 2021.
The Healthcare workers are very appreciative of our support and our signs.

As authorized by the BTF Executive Committee, we made a five thousand ($5,000) donation to their solidarity fund, which was greatly appreciated (Click Here).

Our Healthcare colleagues have asked us to join them for their mass vigil where those present will circle the Hospital and have a moment of silence with some holding candles.

I know this not an easy time for all; however, if you can, they will appreciate your support.

WHEN: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021
WHERE: MERCY HOSPITAL OF BUFFALO - 565 ABBOTT RD, BUFFALO 14220
TIME: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Yes, we will again have our signs, that you can keep for display and to take with you to your buildings or home. (Click Here)

In addition, we will be looking into seeking a Federal, State and County investigation of the financial arrangements of the Catholic Health “Executives” who are apparently making millions of dollars, while they provide no real direct service to save lives.

They make millions working in a non-profit organization.

Yes, “non-profit” for everyone but themselves.

We’ll see about that.

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          October 8, 2021

Subject:     Healthcare Workers – Webinar Series for Teachers

Healthcare Workers
Thank you to the teachers who took the time to join us and the over 3,000 strikers and supporters.
The Healthcare workers appreciate our support.

In answer to questions, the attached letter was sent to: Senator Charles E. Schumer, Majority Leader, Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand, Congressman Brian Higgins, Congressman Chris Jacobs, Governor Kathy Hochul, Erie County Executive, Erie County Legislature, and the Western New York Delegation (Assemblymembers and Senators). (Click Here)

Webinar Series for Teachers
NYSUT and NYSTESOL are collaborating on an upcoming webinar that will earn attendees CTLE that fulfills the Language Acquisition requirement. Panel members are NYSUT members who will discuss what it takes to create an effective ENL/content area co-teaching team. This free webinar will take place on Thursday, October 14 from 4:00-5:00 pm. For more information or to register, go to:

https://www.nysut.org/news/2021/september/ell.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          October 18, 2021

Subject:     COVID Boosters - Updates

COVID Boosters – Release Time
Although teachers have advised us that they are being denied four (4) hours of “paid leave” to obtain “booster shots”, we have advised the District that this is a violation of the law.

Enclosed, please find a copy of the document that we sent to the District. Page two (2) has the relevant section; however, the other sections also have important information. (Click Here)

If you are denied “paid leave” to obtain your “booster shot”, please advise your LRS (Click Here). You might want to show this to your administrator.

Negotiations
* We received notification from our friend Michael Rebell and his associates at the Center for Educational Equity that they have now reached an agreement with New York State and the Courts that will require New York State to provide what is called Foundation Aid education payments, as was publicized, i.e. 50% of what is due for the 2021-2022 school year, 75% 2022-2023 and 100% 2023-2024. ($4.2 billion by 2023-2024)

The critical part is that, unlike previously, the case is on hold with the courts. If the State follows through, the case will be dismissed. If not, the plaintiffs will be able to seek an expedited trial to secure the promised funding.

We finally have the courts, unlike in the past, retaining jurisdiction to ensure that our funding will increase at what was agreed to.

Even after three years, if the State shortchanges us, we will go back to court.

The development is obviously important to the District and our negotiations.

Until now the District could say, as in the past, the State could stop its funding increase with impunity because the courts had not retained jurisdiction. Not now, however. The courts have consistently ruled in our favor.

* As you know, the next important information we will be using to complete our financial analysis is what is called the District’s ST-3. It must be filed with New York State by October 31, 2021.

While we all wanted a contract in place much sooner, we are in a far better position now.

We will not jump into a contract just to have it done.

You deserve more… no, very, very, much more.

Students with Disabilities – Incorrect Placement
We are receiving serious concerns relating to the improper/harmful placement of students with serious disabilities, some of whom should receive more intensive care from an outside agency.

The District has advised some teachers that the agencies have no vacancy.

We’ll be checking on whether it’s just Buffalo students for whom there is no vacancy.

We need to know the extent of the problem. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the following:

Your name, grade, school, student(s) exhibiting serious disabilities who need more intense assistance (including their behavioral problems).

We will take whatever actions are necessary to secure the services these students need and deserve.

NOTE: This is also impacting negatively on the other students.

Please stay well. Take no chances

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          October 14, 2021

Subject:     Supplemental Benefit Fund

As you may know, we have, for months, been working with our computer company, computer programmers, etc. to correct the problems in processing dental claims.

Each time they appear fixed, it again breaks down.

The problems resulting from the pandemic didn’t help. The SBF is working very hard to process the back-log as many waited until the pandemic eased some to go to the dentist. This exacerbated an already difficult situation.

We have reached out to NYSUT’s IT department for assistance or the name of a company that specializes in such issues.

As we have reported, we have been working for many months to transition to Delta Dental, a company that will handle our dental claims.

Teachers will have a card or phone app that can be shown to the dentist. The need to submit forms will be eliminated.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

PR:su