BUFFALO, N.Y. — Before they headed to their classes, teachers with the Buffalo Teachers Federation picketed in front D'Youville Porter Campus.

"I think our frustration is that we haven't had a contract since 2019,” Susan Baker, a teacher, said. “So it's been a while. We're also the only district that works until 4:05 p.m.”

"All across the city, teachers planned to march today basically because of a lack of a contract, also because of the insulting contract that they proposed, and also the fact they sprung [a memorandum of understanding] on us to try and change the starting and ending times of school," Phil Rumore, Buffalo Teachers Federation president, said.

A memorandum of understanding, or MoU, is a formal agreement. Rumore says the BTF received a proposal about changing the timings of school in April, and he says the union didn't hear anything more from the district until September. Rumore says there are many teachers who are resigning.

"This year only, we have had over 140 teachers resign, that's in addition to retire,” Rumore said. “So they're leaving like crazy. It takes teachers in Buffalo 27 years to reach maximum, 22 years any place else, that's your lifetime earnings.”

"They're making $15-20,000 more per year and they have a shorter day, those are the two main reasons," Baker said.

Baker says she and most her fellow teachers have additional duties and additional classes on their schedule this year. She says there is a potential for a strike, but those with the BTF would prefer not to.

"We're really concerned about our students and would like to be there for them,” Baker said. “So the kids are our first concern, and then of course a fair contract would be extremely helpful.”

Both Baker and Rumore are hopeful that with a new superintendent, the Buffalo Teachers Federation will be able to negotiate a fair contract with Buffalo Public Schools. BPS did not immediately return a request for comment.