American Red Cross Reaches Agreement With Teamsters Local 507

After a bargaining process that has sometimes been contentious, the American Red Cross announced that it has reached an agree with Teamsters Local 507 in the Northern Ohio Blood Services Region.

The Teamsters ratified a new collective bargaining contract Monday, according to Christy Sabaka, communications manager for the American Red Cross.

"We are grateful that Teamsters members have agreed to the terms of the new contract and will start to return to work as soon as this week," Sabaka said.

The Teamsters 507 went on strike in February, at in Mayfield Heights.

At the time, the American Red Cross accused the union of "potentially compromising the lives of patients to further their own agenda."

Meanwhile, the union retorted that the Red Cross had cut staffing to dangerous levels.

"The new agreement is equitable and balanced in achieving the needs of both the Red Cross and Teamsters members, and is sensitive to the financial pressures that health care providers are experiencing in today’s economic environment," Sabaka said.

This union represents 236 blood collection operation employees.

"With an agreement in place, we are looking forward to our valued colleagues returning to work and together focusing our full attention on ensuring a sufficient blood supply for the hospitals and patients we serve," 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, according to the Red Cross.