Red Cross Workers Secure Fair Contact, Call off Holiday Strike

AFSCME Locals 1205 and 1558 have ratified new contracts with the American Red Cross, calling off a strike slated to take place on December 23 during the holiday blood drive. 

“From the beginning, all the workers wanted was for their hard work to be recognized by their bosses with a fair contract,” said AFSCME Council 32 Executive Director Patrick Wycoff. “To attain that, the workers had to take a stand. Make no mistake, the members’ courage to strike the holiday blood drive was critical to reaching this agreement.”

"After many months of negotiations, we have reached a fair contract with our employer," said Lora Parker of AFSCME Local 1205. "Our committee worked long hours to achieve it. Our union members came together in solidarity by using their voices and casting their votes to strike and to ratify. Now, we will be able to continue our mission to help our communities.”

Tony Uecke of AFSCME Local 1558 added, “Blood collection services workers do what we do because we believe in the mission and care about our donors. This contract allows us and the Red Cross to continue our work while delivering fair compensation to our staff.”

The new three-year agreements include retroactive bonus payments for 2021, retroactive wage increases for 2022 and 2023, access to excellent insurance benefits, and increases to the contract’s progressive wage schedules. 

“Congratulations to AFSCME Council 32 members who have secured a new and improved union contract with the Red Cross after months of negotiations through resolute solidarity,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. 

The newly ratified contracts take effect immediately.