Blood service workers at the American Red Cross (ARC), represented by a coalition of different labor unions and representing around 4,000 employees at the non-profit, reached a tentative agreement in early July.
Employees have been mobilizing nationally for the last year by holding workplace actions, rallies, educating the public about their working conditions, and engaging elected officials.
Although they were met with resistance on various proposals including a proposal that would ensure high quality, affordable healthcare, a strike threat gave the workers victory. In addition to affordable healthcare benefits, improvements in the contract include increased wages and paid days off, better family leave and scheduling policies, and higher safety and health standards. The previous contract had expired in September 2021 and is expected to be ratified by the various bargaining units over the next few months.
