MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          July 22, 2022

Subject:     Update Negotiations, District Personal Cell Phone Information, SBF

Negotiations

We are still awaiting the appointment of a PERB Fact-finder. As you know, we are ready to proceed to show just how far Buffalo teachers are behind our colleagues and how much funding we have fought for and secured for the District.

Although the delays are unacceptable, they have enabled us to secure many millions more than was anticipated when we began e.g., NYS Foundation Aid and Federal funds.

We are also meeting with the Action Committee on actions to achieve a contract worthy and reflective of your dedication and commitment to our students and each other.

Personal Cell Phone Information

We have received concerns relating to the District requiring teachers’ personal cell phone numbers to access certain sites. Please Click on the link to find a document from the District’s website (www.buffaloschools.org/page/98888).

Note: “If you are unwilling, or unable, to provide a personal phone number, some good alternatives include using the Microsoft Authenticator or App or creating a free Google Voice phone number from your Non-B.P.S. Google account,” p. 2/5. There is other information in the “document”. If you still have concerns, please contact your LRS and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Problems reaching the Supplemental Benefits Office (SBF)

Two of the secretaries in the SBF office have tested positive for COVID 19. They appear to be doing well. Please understand if you are having trouble reaching someone.

Thank you.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          July 28, 2022

Subject:     Oppressive Heat

• Schools
• Dates
• Rooms
• Your Name (will not be used without your permission)
• Personal Email Address

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          July 22, 2022

Subject:     Update - July 26, 2022

Negotiations

District’s April 28 Proposals - Some of the Low-Lights

Signing “Bonuses”

• July 2019-2020
• July 2020-2021 - No Salary Increases
• July 2021-2022
  

(a)   Active, full-time teachers, employed by the District at the time of ratification of this agreement by the Board that were hired by the District prior to January 1, 2022, shall receive a one (1) time bonus in the amount of 6% of their annual salary as of the date of ratification of this Agreement. Adult Learning Center teachers employed and active at the time of ratification will receive a one-time bonus in the amount of $500.00.

(b)   Teachers that retired between September 1, 2019 and ratification shall receive a one-time payment in the amount of $500.00 if he /she retired prior to September 1, 2020, $1,000 if he/she retired between September 2, 2020 and ratification of this agreement.

“Salary” Only

July 2022-2023 (or date of ratification), 6% or 4.9% if step 16 removed
July 2023-2024, 6%.
July 2024-2025, 4% or 2.94% (If new Step 16 removed)

Healthcare

Teachers Would Pay

• July 2022, 13%
• July 2023, 14%
• July 2024, 15%

Retirees

Teachers hired after July 2023- No Healthcare after retirement

Some Other Proposals

• School Year: 42 to 43 weeks
• Teaching Schedule-District can change starting and ending times of school-must be less than an hour and teacher must be notified by January 1 of the “Change year” e.g. January 2023 for 2023-2024 school year.

Yes, there are more. Yes, these are insults.

Stay tuned.

Some Upcoming Key Dates

• The appointment of the PERB Fact-Finder
• The Beginning of Fact-Finding-both sides make presentations over one or more days
• The Fact-Finder releases report
• Both sides accept or reject parts of the Fact Finder’s Recommendations
• School Board Meetings
• September 2, 2022 Teacher set up day
• September 6, 2022 Classes Resume
  

We are preparing actions- picketing at the beginning of Fact-Finding the houses of the Superintendent, Board Members, and Board of Education meeting, etc,

Media coverage, release of statistics- Buffalo teachers vs. all other teachers, teacher resignations (over 120) from the District to go to other Districts, etc.

In addition, we, with NYSUT, will be prepared with a financial analysis that will show that the District now and in the future can and must provide Buffalo teachers with a contract that reflects their dedication to their students and doesn’t treat them as inferior to their colleagues in other districts.

Stay Tuned.

Illegal Job Actions
As you have previously been advised, a withholding of services i.e., of teachers saying they aren’t going to coach, not going to be a club advisor etc. is and has been found to be a strike.

Indeed, as reported to you, teachers who witnessed a terrible fight after school and then met to console each other were charged with a strike when some called in sick the next day, even though the Delegate Chair had advised the teachers in writing to only call in sick if they were ill. The Buffalo Teachers Federation also spoke with the Delegate Chair to caution her. She took immediate appropriate action.

The District charged the teachers with a strike. A hearing was held, they were found guilty by PERB and just recently by a court of being on strike. Please be careful.

As per today’s Buffalo News Article, even though this was an horrendous and dangerous confrontation, The District showed its contempt, vindictiveness and callousness toward teachers. “The District is pleased with the decision of the Appellate Division and expects the BTF to abide by the law in the future regarding the prohibition of public sector labor strikes,”said Nathaniel Kuzma, General Counsel for the Buffalo Public Schools. Note: He is also the Board’s Chief Negotiator.

Some in the District are looking for any way to divide us. They will try to set teacher against teacher and teachers against the BTF by using any talk or information against the BTF. That has never and will never work. We are Buffalo teachers.

Our solidarity is our bond.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          July 29, 2022

Subject:     Health Insurance

The article in the Buffalo News has created confusion and concern. My complete quote was not printed.

The District is attempting to remove retiree healthcare for teachers that are “hired after July 1, 2022”.

"We will not allow and they can not eliminate retiree healthcare for teachers who have retired. Retired teachers will be entitled to receive the same healthcare benefits as those they were entitled to upon retirement,” Article XXVI (2) (p73).

The Contract is on our website, http://www.btfny.org.