Teachers walk out again, closing schools

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Thousands of teachers walked off the job Thursday morning, forcing the city school district to cancel classes for the second time in eight days.

The 7 a.m. announcement came too late for many students who had already headed for school. School officials said students who showed up for classes would be cared for.

The labor dispute involving 3,700 teachers had already stranded the city's 47,000 students last Thursday and Friday when teachers abruptly struck and schools were closed.

The teachers' contract expired in June 1999. The union is seeking 3.5 percent annual salary increases, and the district is offering 2 percent. The union also opposes health insurance concessions sought by the district and the district's plan to contract with outside agencies to provide social services to students and their families.

''We'd all rather be in the classroom. But we also want to get what we deserve and what the kids deserve,'' special education teacher Ros Gottstein said as she picketed.

The strikes have occurred despite a judge's preliminary injunction against such labor actions. Both sides promised more legal action.

The Buffalo Teachers Federation said it would go to court Thursday to allege bad faith negotiations, claiming the district went back on offers that had been already been settled.

School board President Paul Buchanan called the charge ''outrageous.''

''This is about the greedy self-interest of the executive committee of the BTF who have no interest in protecting the health, safety and welfare of our children,'' school board President Paul Buchanan said.

Union officials already face contempt charges, and could face more, he said.

Mayor Anthony Masiello said the union refuses to accept givebacks the school district believes are financially necessary.

U.S. Senate candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton, who was endorsed by the Buffalo teachers union, and her opponent, Rep. Rick Lazio, said the teachers should be back in the classroom.

''Their action ... is illegal, and I do not believe that's appropriate,'' the first lady said.

Teachers face a fine of two days' pay for every day they strike. Court hearings on contempt charges brought by the district were set for Thursday and Friday.