BTF and district at an impasse over contract

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The first day for Buffalo Public Schools is right around the corner, but a contract between the Buffalo Teachers Federation and the Buffalo School District remains unsigned.

“From talking to the teachers, I've been talking to a lot of them are angry,” said Philip Rumore the president of the Buffalo Teachers Federation.

Tuesday, the Buffalo Teachers Federation declared an impasse on the contract negotiations. That means the two parties will need a mediator. Something the district is in favor of, but believes the BTF could speed negotiations up.

“What is happening now, with the impasse and the filling of the improper practice charges, is not going to help this get done any more quickly. It's nothing but a tactic,” said Nate Kuzma, the general counsel of the Buffalo School District.

The two parties are still arguing about when to meet, but when they do, Rumore says they will fight for higher wages and changes to student discipline.