(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) – Contract talks are set to resume between the Buffalo Teachers Federation (BTF) and the Buffalo School District after a just-released Fact Finder’s Report drew the ire of the Union, whose President, Phil Rumore, said: “It ‘wasn’t balanced.’”

“We were ‘disappointed because - usually, a Fact Finder finds a little (benefit) for both sides,’” Rumore tells WNYLaborToday.com. 

“We were ‘disappointed that it was as one-sided’ (towards the School District) as it was.  For example, ‘it didn’t even address the extreme number of caseloads our Counselors and Social Workers are dealing with, especially in light of the violent occurrences’ (involving students) at our schools.  ‘We need more’ Counselors.  And the salary increases (contained in the report) ‘were already negotiated, it was exactly what (the BTF) had already agreed to,’” he said.

“But ‘we have to move on from here,’” added Rumore, who said talks with the School District are scheduled to resume on Thursday (February 9th) (to discuss the Fact Finders’ Report) and on February 14th (focusing on a new contract).

Meanwhile, Rumore said a just-concluded survey of BTF Members shows Union Membership backs the BTF Negotiating Team, with 66.1% supporting the effort made, 26.57% in non-support and 7.34% abstaining in the survey.

In a posting to BTF Members, Rumore said:

Thank you again for your trust, solidarity and support.

As you may have heard, Governor (Kathy) 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 (New York State United Teachers).

This is in addition to the previous two years’ increases of $41,260,000 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.

On another front, the BTF has initiated a billboard campaign to get its message out to City residents. 

The message on the billboards (above) reads: Buffalo’s Teachers & Students Are Not Worth 38% Less Than Other Schools In The Region, a reference to Buffalo Teachers’ salaries when compared to their suburban counterparts.

For More, Visit: Fair Contract Now (nysut-lp.com)