BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) With contract negotiations set to resume Thursday, December 8, on a teachers contract, Buffalo Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore is warning Buffalo Public School officials that a second vote of no confidence may be taken if there's no progress soon.
"We're hopeful there will be significant movement on the 8th, but if there is not, for the first time ever, there will be a second vote of no confidence against the Superintendent and the Board," said Union President Phil Rumore on WBEN Tuesday.
The first vote of no confidence was announced Monday. Out of 1,900 votes recorded, 91% of teachers voted in support of the no confidence vote.
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On the other hand, if they do reach a settlement on the 8th, Rumore offered an olive branch. "One of the things that we'll do, if we can put all of this behind us, is to take a vote to rescind the vote of no confidence."
In October, both sides agreed to meet with an independent fact-finder, who is evaluating offers and determining a fair deal.
"We have a meeting with the fact finder on the 13th," said Rumore. "He will then issue or recommend a settlement. It is not binding on either side. But sometimes it gives an impetus to get things moving."
What about a strike? Would that ever be on the table?
"That's an ultimate last resort. We've gone on strike before. But I am hopeful that will not happen," added Rumore.
Teachers in Buffalo have been working without a contract for three years.
"Teachers are very angry....they're insulted....they [district officials] need to know just how angry teachers are," noted Rumore. "I've been through a few contracts since I've been president. This ranks near the top as far as angering teachers."