By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Teachers Federation and the City School District are being urged to end their on-going labor dispute.
About a dozen parents and some political leaders gathered on the steps of City Hall Thursday. The union is trying to reach a new contract with the district.
But the BTF won't drop its legal suit against the District over the issue of a single health provider.
And the school district refuses to rescind 114-layoffs unless arbitration is dropped. State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt said there should be a settlement before the new school year begins next month.
"I join my colleagues and friends in calling on the Buffalo Teachers Federation to do the right thing. It is the right thing for their membership, but most importantly it is the right thing for the children of the City of Buffalo. Do the right thing step forward and settle this situation," said Hoyt.
State Assembly woman Crystal Peoples is also calling for a truce. Peoples said the BTF's hard-line position may be unrealistic as the District faces difficult financial times.