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NEWS BRIEFS
SEIU strikes against Red Cross
American Red Cross workers strike outside of the office along Veterans Memorial Boulevard on Wednesday, June 2, 2010, in Huntington.
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HUNTINGTON — Blood collections were suspended Wednesday as 60 union workers joined a broader coalition to initiate a strike against the American Red Cross.
Locals workers sit and stood along Veterans Memorial Boulevard. Some held signs, while one yelled into a megaphone. Each belonged to Service Employees International Union Local 1199.
A union official attributed the work stoppage to disagreements about health insurance, pension and staffing levels. Red Cross declined specific comment, but said its contract proposals are consistent to benefits afforded to its non-union staff.
The strike forced Red Cross to cancel all blood drives and close donor centers located in Huntington, Charleston and Parkersburg. The organization has contingency plans, which will transport Red Cross blood to hospitals and medical facilities in the area, said local Red Cross spokeswoman Cheryl Gergely.
A Red Cross press release, provided by Gergely, expressed disappointment with the unions’ move. It also expressed regret to its donors, sponsors and volunteers.
Read more in Thursday's edition of The Herald-Dispatch.
