MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          February 6, 2023 

Subject:    Negotiations / Fact Finding Votes / BPO

Thank you for taking the time to vote.

We apologize to those who asked for more time; however, we wanted to have a vote so that we could resume negotiations.

The results are:

66.10% (928) I support the negotiating team’s rejection of the January 30, 2023 Fact Finder’s Report.

26.57% (373) I do not support the negotiating team’s rejection of the January 30, 2023 Fact Finder’s Report.

7.34% (103) I abstain from voting.

This will put us in a strong position as we resume negotiations.

As you can see from our last email (Click Here), the Fact Finder’s report on salary was based on where we had progressed to in negotiations.

This progress (See Chart in the Link Above ) is a result of your solidarity and support (picketing, votes of no confidence, etc.).

We are not there yet.

We will, with your continued solidarity and support, have a contract that reflects your dedication to our students.

Negotiations
We have set the following dates to resume negotiations.

February 9, 2023 – Review Fact Finder’s Report
February 14, 2023 – Negotiations Based on February 9, 2023 Meeting

Thank you again for your trust, solidarity and support. You are the best… no, the very best.

As you may have heard, Governor Hochul has made huge increases in New York State Education Aid.

She has followed through on her commitment to fully fund Foundation Aid, funding for poorer school districts.

In the 2023-2024 school year, BPS will see an increase of approximately $71,696,428 thanks to the efforts of BTF and NYSUT. This is in addition to the previous two years’ increases of $41,260,020 in 2021-2022 and $34,993,967 in 2022-2023. These increases ($147,950,415 total!) provide sufficient resources for the District to offer a contract that supports our students and their teachers.

The Superintendent and Board are aware of these increases and have said they want to provide a contract that reflects their acknowledgement of Buffalo teachers’ support for our students.

We will see as negotiations continue.

Stay Tuned.

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
Once again, the BTF has purchased Flex Passes for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra so our members and their families have an opportunity to attend a wonderful performance. The 2022-2023 season features the best of the Classics, Pop, Rock, Kids and BPO Film Series. With this variety of musical experiences, there is a performance that everyone can enjoy!

Flex Passes can be exchanged for any remaining BPO event (with the exception of Tower of Power on February 17th). Flex Passes can be redeemed over the phone, (716) 885-5000 - option 1, or in-person at Kleinhans. Flex Passes are good for anywhere in Section C and seats can be chosen when the passes are redeemed.

There is a $5 upgrade charge to exchange the flex pass for Shakespeare's The Tempest, Star Wars in Concert, and Mozart's Magic Flute.

Please fill out the attached form (Click Here) and return it to the BTF by mail, 271 Porter Avenue, Buffalo 14201 or e-mail the information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please indicate whether you would like to pick up your tickets at BTF or have them mailed to your home.

Thank you for supporting the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          February 7, 2023 

Subject:    Highmark BC/BS Problem

As many of you are aware, there have been recent issues with BPS’s third-party administrator, Highmark denying insurance coverage for services and medication that should have been covered. As a reminder, your benefits should remain identical under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. Any changes to your insurance plan are a violation of the negotiated terms of the CBA. BTF has filed a grievance and it is our belief that BPS is working with Highmark to resolve these issues.

If a claim for coverage or medication that has been previously covered is or has been denied, reach out to the Highmark Customer Service number on the back of your health insurance card. If this does not resolve the issue, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and request that BPS escalate the issues to its Account Manager.

The CBA also provides language for insureds to appeal the denial of any claims or coverage. Article XXVI (2).A.(a)(iv) states, “[a]ny complaints under The Plan with respect to interpretation, application or payment of benefits must be processed through the ‘Claim Review Procedure’ set forth in The Plan. If a complaint is not settled to the teacher’s satisfaction, the teacher may submit the dispute directly to the current BC/BS dispute resolution process within ninety (90) days of the written determination.” (page 68, lines 34-43).

A copy of The Plan Document can be found here (Click Here) and the appeal procedure is described on page 42.

We are also seeking NYSUT’s assistance to file a class action lawsuit along with other organizations.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          February 10, 2023 

Subject:    Negotiations – Updates

Negotiations – February 9, 2023
As per our previous correspondence to you, both teams met today to review and discuss the Fact-Finder’s report to ensure there were no misunderstandings.

The meeting was positive, with both sides agreeing to work expeditiously toward an excellent settlement.

As you know, our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 14, 2023 (Yes, Valentine’s Day). Based on any progress made at that meeting, we may schedule another meeting or exchange proposals/documents on February 15 or 16, 2023.

Stay Tuned
In case anyone asks, the 21% increase that the District is bragging about is not over three (3) years. It is over seven (7) years.

Progress in Negotiations
In response to teachers who did not receive the email with the District’s initial salary proposal and the movement that has been made:

“ As per the request of teachers, here is a copy of the District’s first salary package dealing with 2019-2026. It also includes Healthcare, transfer procedures, coaching, summer hiring, length of school year and scheduling proposals. (Click Here)

Healthcare 3/17/2022

• Reduces providers
• 20% Payment (Current teachers and future retirees)
• Removes keeping retiree contributions as they were at retirement
• Removes retiree healthcare for teachers hired after 7/1/2022

Teaching Load and Schedules 3/17/2022
Increases numbers of weeks teachers must work from 42 weeks to 44 weeks.

Increases the teaching load (time) of special area teachers (Art, Music, Physical Education and Foreign Language) who are also teaching elementary students from 240 minutes to 255 minutes.

As you can see, we have made progress from this ‘proposal’.

This has come as a result of your support through picketing, votes and solidarity.

Now having the Superintendent at the negotiating table has helped.

We are obviously not there yet. ”

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          February 15, 2023 

Subject:    Negotiations Updates

Yesterday’s negotiations was focused on the issues on which we are close to agreement and on those that both sides sought to work to solve.

Both sides believe that we are making important progress on many issues.

Therefore, we have scheduled negotiating dates as follows:

Friday, February 24, 2023
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Tuesday, March 7, 2023

As you can see from our last email to you, with your support and the unprecedented increase in State Aid this year and next year, we have made significant progress.

With that continued solidarity and support, we will soon have a contract that, despite COVID, the initial lack of funding and District delays, reflects your dedication to our students and each other.

We believe there can be an agreement prior to our March 16, 2023 Executive Committee and Council of Delegates meetings.

However, if necessary, a motion to authorize, what our lawyers have advised be called “decisive action” by teachers – will be made.

I am confident you know what that will be.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          February 16, 2023 

Subject:    Negotiations Concerns

Negotiations Clarification
There seems to be some confusion relating to our recent email.

The items listed under the District’s March 17, 2022 submission contained in our February 2, 2023 email (Click Here) were their proposals.

To be clear, we have made it clear to the District that we will not agree to paying a percentage toward healthcare. We have also rejected the District’s proposal to increase the school year and additional teaching loads for some teachers.

We have also rejected the District’s 8% one-time bonus for 2019-2022 as well as most of their other proposals.

We are still negotiating wages/step removal and other important issues.

As you can see from the email, we have made significant progress; however, we are not there yet!

With your continued support, we will get there very soon. We cannot accept what we have before us just to have a contract. We are close but not there yet.

Variety Club Telethon – Read Across America
Attached (Click Here) is a flyer with information on both the Variety Club Telethon and information on ways to celebrate Read Across America.

Please consider donating to the Variety Club Telethon by using the link or the QR code on the flyer.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          March 1, 2023 

Subject:    Negotiations Updates

Today, both sides agreed that in addition to our already scheduled March 7, 2023 negotiating date, we would add March 13, 2023, with the goal of having negotiations complete or almost completed, except for a few minor issues by that date.

This will not be a contract just to have a contract, but a contract that, as you have often heard me say, “reflects and rewards you for your commitment to our students and which reflects what other teachers in our area are receiving”.

We will continue to update you.

We will work to ensure that at our next Executive and Council of Delegates meetings a “very serious” motion will not be necessary.

PR:su