At a time when the country is going through the worst blood shortage in more than a decade, the workers of the American Red Cross, whose work is critical in the collection and maintenance of this vital resource, sounded the alarms about their poor salary and working conditions during a demonstration at the blood and platelet donation center in Pomona.
“We need a salary increase to help us face the high cost of living and inflation, health insurance that we can afford, and more personal because we are currently very short on people; and that is dangerous because it exposes us to injuries”, said Michelle Cisneros, a Red Cross worker.
She explained that last year their contract expired under the who worked, and managed to extend it for a year, but it expires this month.
He said that although the Cross has begun to hire more people, they have to train them; and regarding medical insurance, he pointed out that they fear that benefits will be reduced and costs will increase.
“What we are asking for is not too much for everything we do”, he said.
A contingent of Southern California workers represented by the International Union of Workers of the Services (SEIU) of the local 768, held a small demonstration in solidarity with the thousands of workers of the American Red Cross who have put their lives on the line to maintain the nation’s blood supply through the covid pandemic-19.
The demonstration was part of a national mobilization of American Red Cross workers and their allies in multiple cities to across the country against mistreatment of essential blood collection workers.
In addition to Pomona, demonstrations have been held in Washington, DC; Peoria, Ill.; and Lansing, Michigan, among others.
It is estimated that in the country, the American Red Cross has about 4,000 employees.
According to union spokespersons, the worthy institution has refused to negotiate a fair contract to address the dangerous conditions of including understaffing.
Workers say these conditions contribute significantly to the nation’s blood shortage crisis because Red Cross treatment of workers makes it difficult to retain blood trained and dedicated staff.
At a demonstration in San Diego this week, workers stated that they earn between $18 and $19.50 while inflation has risen by more than 8%.
Robert SEIU Union Fair, Local 221 of San Diego, said veteran workers have left when they realize their pay is the same as the l of new employees hired.
The American Red Cross responded in a statement that they have been in negotiations with union members in recent months to discuss wages, health care, and other issues.
“We are working to reach the best deal possible for our organization, our valued employees, and the patients we serve. that we serve”.
They indicated that the extension of the contract with the coalition of Red Cross unions ends on 31 of May.
“We recognize information demonstrations, protests, communication with the media and other activities as part of the negotiation process, especially before the finalization of a contract.”
They add that they respect the right of employees to engage in legally protected activities.
“We remain committed to providing our Cruz employees throughout the country with competitive salaries, benefits and working conditions. work, including access to health”.
They indicate that to this end, they have presented mutually beneficial proposals and provided opportunities to increase wages and guarantee affordable and quality medical care.
“We continue negotiating with the intention of reaching a fair and friendly agreement”.
At the same time, they made it clear that the Red Cross will continue to focus on its mission for patients across the country who rely on them every day to provide them with the blood that saves their lives.
“While A couple of months ago, we experienced a national blood shortage, we currently have a sufficient supply of blood to support patients in need.”
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