MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          May 3, 2021

Subject:     Update – Positive News, Negotiations, BC/BS

Positive News
At the NYSUT State Representative Assembly this weekend, the BTF received two (2) awards.

Thank you to all those who participated in the projects.

• Local Community Service Award
  
  • Variety Club Telethon, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Read Across America, Buffalo Philharmonic Young Audience Concerts, sponsoring virtual graduations for Buffalo Public School High School students, and donations to many charities.

• Ken Kurzweil Social Justice Award
  
  • Advocating for Educational Justice
    
  • Supporting Initiatives to Combat Hunger
    
  • Demonstrating Labor Solidarity
    
  • Championing Racial Justice
    
  • Championing Women’s Issues and Rights

Note: BTF was the only union in New York State to receive this award.

Negotiations
We are awaiting availability dates from the PERB-appointed mediator.

We are working with NYSUT on the District’s financial documents, state allocations, cost projections, etc.

We have been informed that some in the District hierarchy believe that with the funding available, they can buy many of their destructive proposals and that if not, teachers will cave in to their demands.

Be careful what you say around some administrators. They are feeding the District harmful and wrong information.

What we expect is a contract not comparable to those around us, but superior to them.

Stay Tuned. Stay Strong.

BC/BS Settlement Notification
Many teachers are receiving a “Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement Notice”.

We have been advised by NYSUT that this isn’t a “scam”.

If you have been notified and want to be included you must file a claim.

If we receive more information, we will forward it to you.

Please stay well. Take no chances.