Buffalo teachers lose court battle to gain steps lost during wage freeze

 In a highly controversial ruling yesterday,  The Court of Appeals  decided Buffalo school teachers and other employees of city unions wouldn't get salary step increases lost during the 38-month wage freeze imposed back in April 2003, lifted on July 2007. The  district's $75 million in reserve  in the event they  lost the court case puts it in a stronger position now as  they move forward in contract negotiations with the Buffalo Teachers Federation without a contract since July 2004.