MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          January 24, 2023 

Subject:    Problems with Highmark

As you may know, the problems that many had in receiving required coverage under Highmark BC/BS involved organizations in addition to the Buffalo Teachers Federation and other District employees.

We are seeking a New York State and Federal investigation of the causes, how those who were adversely impacted will be compensated and how it will be prevented in the future.

We will also be working with others to file a class action complaint against Highmark BC/BS.

Please provide us with information relating to the problems you encountered recently relating to being denied the coverage for which you were entitled from Highmark BC/BS. As always, names will not be released.

Please email all information to Sierra Umhauer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          January 17, 2023 

Subject:    Vote on Fact-Finder’s Report – February 2, 2023 / Thank You Superintendent Williams

There still seems to be some confusion on the rejection of the Fact-Finder’s report.

As was stated previously, we will be resuming negotiations with the District.

Rejecting the Fact-Finder’s report does not mean that some of the recommendations aren’t close to being acceptable. Some are close. As you read the report/recommendations, you will find that, as he said in the beginning, “these recommendations are as proposed by the District”.

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)

Salary 3/17/2022

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.

With your continued solidarity and support we will resolve the remaining issues.

Let there be no doubt.

Thank you again to those who have already voted. Let’s have a strong vote to show all that we are united and strong… as always.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          January 17, 2023 

Subject:    Negotiations, Highmark BC/BS Problems, Wallet Cards

Negotiations
We submitted our documents to the Fact-Finder on 1/13/2023. It included updated statistics on the District’s excellent current and future financial position.

As you know, the Fact-Finder will review all documents and the information he received at our 1/4/2023 meeting.

The timeline is usually two (2) to three (3) weeks depending on the number of issues. Once it is released:

a) It will be made public and sent to all teachers.
b) We will resume negotiations, usually with a PERB representative.
c) We will schedule pickets, etc.
d) We will schedule an emergency meeting of the Executive Committee and Council of Delegates for appropriate action if serious problems occur.

Our billboards have been ordered. They should go up next week. (Click Here)

We will also be placing ads in local newspapers and on Facebook. We will email State and local leaders etc. (faircontractnow.org).

Lack of Highmark BC/BS Coverage
In addition to the Buffalo Public Schools, many organizations’ members encountered problems (some serious) with their coverage with Highmark BC/BS.

We have been in contact with other organizations, District and non-District, to investigate filing a class action lawsuit against Highmark BC/BS.

In addition, we are asking for a New York State and Federal investigation. (Click Here)

You will be receiving a BTF survey to determine and document the issues. (Stay tuned)

Wallet Cards
The “wallet cards” were distributed at the Council of Delegates meeting and also sent via the “Pony”. Please read it and put it in your wallet or some place readily available. If more are needed, call the BTF.

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