MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          September 29, 2021

Subject:     Updates

Negotiations
On Tuesday, September 28, 2021, we and the District met with PERB mediator Gregory Poland.

It was determined that it was important that both the BTF and District, whether we agree or not, have an understanding of the calculations each used to determine the costs of various salary compression projections.

We all agreed to further review said calculations and further clarify other issues.

As relayed previously, we are awaiting the District’s filing with NYSED of what is called the ST-3. It is submitted at the beginning of October. It contains important District financial, employment, grant, etc. information that we use.

The mediator has advised us that he will be sending future meeting dates.

We will not rush into a mediocre contract. We will not stop until we have a contract that rewards you for all that you have endured and done for your students… nothing less. Yes, it will be retroactive.

Building Safety and Health Issues
Please notify your LRS (Click Here) of serious safety/health issues in your building. They will be forwarded to the District.

If they persist, notify your LRS that they have not been addressed. If necessary, we will notify the Board and media.

Personal Safety/Health Concerns
Once again, if you are asked to perform a duty/action which you believe is inappropriate, you believe is a violation of your contractual or other rights, notify your LRS (Click Here).

What Do You Say Phil?
Masks/Testing/Vaccinations
I have been asked what my response has been to those who do not support being vaccinated against COVID-19 and its variants.

My response to those who have asked me why people should get vaccinated for the COVID-19 and its variants “since you can still get it if you have been vaccinated” usually is:

• If you have been fully vaccinated, your chance of serious physical harm, illness, or death is very small.
• You most likely would not have been infected if the other person(s) had been fully vaccinated, i.e. not infected with the virus.

There are of course many other reasons that people have chosen to be vaccinated, e.g. to protect themselves as well as others, etc.

There are also many reasons that people have chosen to not be vaccinated, e.g. religion, physical, etc.

As educators we, rather than fight with those with whom we differ, have always tried to discuss our differences and understand, while possibly continuing to disagree with, the position of others.

Please note that while not all possibilities were asked, Buffalo teachers voted as follows:

“I support requiring teachers and staff being vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and its variants, unless there are reasons, such as: religious, medical (immunocompromised, pregnancy, adverse reactions to similar vaccines, a doctor's advice, etc.) that cause the teacher to not become vaccinated. If a teacher is not vaccinated, the District must make testing available at their school/site at no cost to them. If a teacher is disciplined by the District as a result of their not being vaccinated, the BTF, as per the BTF contract, will defend said teacher.”

I Agree with the Above Statement - 68.62% (1,432)
I Disagree with the Above Statement - 21.95% (458)
Neither Agree Nor Disagree - 9.44% (197)

Please stay well. Take no chances.