MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          June 21, 2022

Subject:     June 21, 2022

Negotiations
As per our last correspondence, we are scheduled to meet with the PERB mediator on Thursday, June 23, 2022.

We have had numerous concerns raised by teachers relating to other Board Unions giving up retiree healthcare for new members.

The BTF has never sacrificed our new members in this way.

First, where would you be if this had been done to you?

Second, it sets new members, against veteran members dividing the union.

There are obviously more reasons that Buffalo teachers have never voted for such a change.

Yes, the Board has a proposal to make this change. We have obviously not agreed to it.

Media Negotiations
We are still working with NYSUT on our media releases. We will update you when we receive the information from NYSUT.

NYSUT is formatting and facilitating the releases.

Stay Tuned.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          June 23, 2022

Subject:     Negotiations Update

Negotiations
As expected, at negotiations today (June 23, 2022) with the PERB mediator, the District requested that PERB appoint what is referred to as a Fact-Finder. Correspondence from the District requesting a Fact-Finder is being sent to the PERB Director of Conciliation.

We agreed to participate.

An overview of a Fact-Finder prepared by our Labor Relations Specialists (LRS) can be found here (Click Here).

We will keep you informed as we are advised of the details.

Remember, the recommendations of the Fact-Finder are not binding on either side.

Healthcare for Retirees
There seems to be some confusion relating to Medicare coverage for retirees.

In many cases, Medicare only pays a percentage of the costs.

For example, if, as in too many later in life health care problems, the cost of medical attention is $100,000 and Medicare pays eighty percent (80%), the individual would be responsible for $20,000. The Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance retirees have would cover most of the additional $20,000.

This could vary by the frequency and cost.

The raising of the age to retire that occurred with the later tiers is currently being worked on with the legislature to be reduced.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          July 11, 2022

Subject:     Updates July 11, 2022

Negotiations

We are awaiting the assignment of the PERB-appointed Fact-Finder.

As soon as the Fact-Finder is assigned, we will schedule our presentation as soon as possible. Note: We have already been preparing for this and can start quickly.

There still seems to be some confusion relating to the Fact-finding process. An overview of a Fact-Finder prepared by our Labor Relations Specialists (LRS) can be found here (Click Here).

Here is a copy of the process that was in our past email to you.

In short,

• It is not binding on either side.
• You can refuse to participate; however, then only the one side presents.

We will keep you up to date.

Summer School

If you are encountering a problem or have a question, please contact your LRS.

Media Negotiations

We are still working with NYSUT on our media releases. We will update you when we receive the information from NYSUT.

NYSUT is formatting and facilitating the releases.

Transfer Interviews

Teachers should not participate in interview of teacher applying for a transfer to these schools.

If is considered teachers evaluating other teachers.

If you are encountering a problem or have a question, please contact your LRS (Click Here).

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          September 7, 2022

Subject:     Schedule Changes BTF Response

Attached, please find a copy of our response to the District’s Transportation/Bell-Time MOU.

Yes, we are taking legal action and Yes, we will detail our reasons to those who ask. (Click Here)

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          July 15, 2022

Subject:     Update Extended Pay Plan

There was an error this morning with the bank that processes the Extended Pay Plan. At this time, we have been informed that the error has been corrected by the bank and teachers that have their money direct deposited should have the money in their account.

We are sorry for the inconvenience. Please contact us at (716) 881-5400 with any further questions or concerns.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          July 21, 2022

Subject:     Student Code of Conduct

The district is looking for increased feedback on revising the Code of Conduct. We want to make sure that teachers have a voice in the revision. We have attached a flyer detailing the upcoming opportunities to provide feedback. (Click Here)