Community Corner

Red Cross Cancels Blood Drive In Anticipation Of Teamsters Strike

Platelet donations at three Red Cross donor centers will also be canceled

There is no love between the American Red Cross and Teamsters Local 507 this Valentine's Day.

The Red Cross has canceled its annual blood drive this Tuesday at in anticipation of a Teamsters strike. Platelet donations at three Red Cross donor centers will also be canceled.

The Red Cross released a statement blaming the union for the event's cancellation.

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"It is unconscionable that this union would consider potentially compromising the lives of patients to further their own agenda," said Christy Sabaka, Regional Communications Program Manager, in the statement.

Meanwhile, the Teamsters released its own statement, saying the Red Cross has cut staffing to levels that are unsafe for donors to improve profit margins.

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"Teamsters have served our great community for years as steadfast workers at Red Cross," said Albert Mixon, the chapter's Secretary-Treasurer. "We are operating blood drives at high schools, community centers and hospitals every day. But now Red Cross’ blood services division wants to cut staffing levels to the point where donors should be concerned for their safety."

Red Cross has said the union is "putting the well-being of the community and the livelihood of fellow employees at risk" by striking. The organization added that it has reached successful resolutions with 16 other unions since last July.

Mixon countered by saying that 14 or 15 unions have gone on strike against the Red Cross, also.

If the strike does take place, the Red Cross will transport blood from other locations to treat local patients, Sabaka said.

The Red Cross Northern Ohio Region needs to collect 900 units of blood each day to support 12,000 transfusions at 57 local hospitals, the Red Cross said in its statement.


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