American Red Cross Workers In Mich End Strike
LANSING (WWJ/AP) - More than 200 American Red Cross workers in Michigan who went on strike in March in a dispute related to contract negotiations are expected back at work.
Union officials announced the end of the 11-week strike on Wednesday. There's still no contract, however.
Some blood drives were cancelled or rescheduled because of the strike in the American Red Cross Great Lakes Blood Services Region, which covers more than 60 counties. The strike by staff represented by the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 459 and Teamsters Local 580 began March 30.
The members have pledged to continue their fight to protect collective bargaining rights, but felt obligated to return to doing what they do best – collecting and protecting the blood supply for the community.
Collective bargaining rights and health benefits were among the issues during the talks. It was the third time the unions went on strike in two years.
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