MEMORANDUM
Memo To: All Buffalo Teachers
From: Philip Rumore, President, BTF
Date: April 7, 2022
Subject: Desperate Calls for Help / BTF Solidarity Rally
Ukrainian Emergency Relief
Thank you to those who have already made a commitment to help the Ukrainian people, who are enduring devastation and seeing the death of family members, and thousands of fellow Ukrainians.
As you know, it will take many years, even after this savage, merciless and barbaric attack, to care for and reunite families, as well as rebuild their communities.
We have friends and relatives of Buffalo teachers fighting for survival in the Ukraine.
If you haven’t already, please take a minute to contribute to the BTF Ukraine Relief Fund using this link https://nysut.cc/btfrelief
Thank you on behalf of those your gift will help-them, their families, community and country.
Note: NYSUT has informed us that thus far, in addition to the BTF authorized check of $5,000 from our reserves, $1,435 has been contributed by individual BTF members.
During the spring recess, when you have more time, please take a minute to help those in such desperate need. The contributions are shown as coming from Buffalo, NY teachers.
The donations are tax deductible.
BTF Solidarity Rally
Reminder as per previous email:
BTF Rally – Negotiations
| Date: | Wednesday, April 20, 2022 (Before Board Meeting) | |
| Time: | 4:30 pm | |
| Place: | To Be Announced When Definitive Location Is Released |
Let’s again show our unmatched solidarity – Yes, we will have signs and attend the Board meeting. I will be speaking on your behalf.
See you there.
PR:su
MEMORANDUM
Memo To: All Buffalo Teachers
From: Philip Rumore, President, BTF
Date: May 10, 2022
Subject: May 10, 2022 Update
Negotiations
At our last negotiating session (May 9, 2022) the District advised us that rather than presenting a counter proposal to our May 6, 2022 proposal, they wanted to have the PERB mediator re-join us.
The mediator today advised us that he would meet with both parties on May 20, 2022 at 10:00 am.
Stay tuned.
District Summer School Openings 2022
There are many positions still available for the 2022 BPS summer school program. Please (Click Here) to view the recruitment bulletins with the dates for each specific program.
Say Yes Summer School (“Camp”) Openings
Say Yes is currently recruiting teachers and staff to work in the camps. Individuals can register their interest at www.sayyesbuffalo.org/summerrecruitment.
Camps will operate July 11 - August 19, Monday - Friday, 7 hour/day and 4 hour/day sites. Activities will include academics and enrichment. Certified teachers may only be required to work for the academic portion of the day.
Please see attached (Click Here) promotional materials and distribute to your networks.
BPS Employee Assistance Program
Attached (Click Here), please find information on the BPS Employee Assistance Program.
Community PTA
Attached (Click Here) is information on the Buffalo Community PTA. If interested, please attend. We apologize for this being so late, but we just received the notice.
PR:su
MEMORANDUM
Memo To: All Buffalo Teachers
From: Philip Rumore, President, BTF
Date: May 4, 2022
Subject: Updates
Negotiations
As per our briefing at the Council of Delegates meeting, there was enough improvement in the District’s offer to agree to continue negotiations. While the offer was not acceptable, it provided enough movement for us to schedule additional sessions. They are set for May 6, 9, 16 and 20.
As per practice in negotiations, individual proposals and counter-proposals are not publicized unless one party gives notice as we did with the March District “proposal”.
We will soon see if there has been a rethinking of the District’s desire to acknowledge your dedication and commitment to our students. The District has millions of dollars available, thanks to our efforts.
Stay tuned.
School Safety/Support
- District Investigation By Outside Agency
- BTF seeking safeguards for teachers, e.g. voluntary, can have LRS present, no reprisals, anonymous, copy of questions.
- BTF has demanded negotiations on this issue.
- Continue reporting incidents/problems to BTF.
Special Education
- BTF to survey/will report to New York State and Federal Court, if not corrected.
- Students not placed correctly or placed at all.
- Teachers/Aides pulled for other duties.
- Etc.
Supplemental Benefit Fund
As expected, there have been glitches with the implementation of the automated Delta Dental dental plan.
Teachers should not have to pay more than they would have under our plan. Indeed some payments should have been less.
We are working with them to correct the problem. Teachers who overpaid for services will be reimbursed when the problem is corrected.
School Calendar
2022-2023 School Calendar MOU signed by Superintendent – with possible Monday off after Easter.
Concurrent Idiocy
- First District proposal rejected … has been grieved
- Have demanded to negotiate impact
Annual Retirement Dinner
The BTF’s retirement dinner will be held at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens on May 18, 2022. It will be preceded by a brief Council of Delegates meeting. For teachers who will be retiring this year, (click here) for the reservation form. For delegates attending, (click here).
MEMORANDUM
Memo To: All Buffalo Teachers
From: Philip Rumore, President, BTF
Date: May 9, 2022
Subject: Updates
Negotiations
As per our last update, we have received a new District contract proposal. While it is not near what we expect, there was movement.
Its financial aspects are being evaluated.
On May 6, 2022, we submitted a counter contract proposal that, once again, reflects Buffalo teachers’ dedication and commitment to our students.
They are to respond today.
Our next sessions are scheduled for May 16 and 20, 2022.
School Safety
We will continue to survey the safety/disruptive conditions in our schools.
The Superintendent has indicated that she will take action to correct problems.
The results of the “School Safety Survey” will be sent to the Superintendent, Board and of course, you.
As always, teachers’ names and identifying sections will be removed.
Please complete the “School Safety Survey” as soon as possible. If you can, by May 16, 2022.
Thank you. (Click Here)
Legal Action Against BTF and District
As you may have read in The Buffalo News, a Buffalo teacher has taken legal action against the BTF, NYSUT and the Buffalo School District.
The issue is whether it is constitutional to “deduct and accepted and continue to accept union dues or fees from Plaintiff’s wages without providing her any meaningful notice or opportunity to object to the ongoing deductions, to the process by which the money was and is deducted, or to the ways her money was used and is being used.”
The membership document that NYSUT provides for new members states, “I understand that this authorization and assignment is not a condition of my employment and shall remain in effect, regardless of whether I am or remain a member of the union, for a period of one year from the date of this authorization and shall automatically renew from year to year unless I revoke this authorization by sending a written, signed notice of revocation via U.S. mail to the union between the window period of August 1-31 or another window period specified in a collective bargaining agreement.”
NYSUT has advised us that similar legal actions have been commenced across New York State. A law firm in Pennsylvania is handling many of these cases.
Please be advised that the Labor Relations Specialist cited in the complaint has many emails showing that she (and other staff members) worked very hard to assist the teacher, as she does for all teachers.
This, as were the last legal actions, is apparently an attempt to weaken unions. It will play out in courts.
While we may agree or disagree on an issue, we as teachers, respect the rights of others.
PR:su
MEMORANDUM
Memo To: All Buffalo Teachers
From: Philip Rumore, President, BTF
Date: May 14, 2022
Subject: Negotiations