Red Cross union members turn in strike notice

http://www.bristolpress.com/articles/2010/05/21/news/doc4bf741644906f679490021.txt

Friday, May 21, 2010 10:38 PM EDT

By Scott Whipple
Staff Writer

FARMINGTON — The Connecticut AFL-CIO and its affiliates stood elbow-to-elbow with fellow union members of the American Red Cross Friday morning. They pledged their continued support of front-line blood collection workers who have been working without a contract for more than a year.

Then, at noon, AFSCME Local 3145 filed a 10-day strike notice.

“Union members are ready to roll up our sleeves to donate blood because we believe in helping others,” said John Olsen, president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, whose union represents 225,000 workers. “But, we will not cross a picket line. We are advising our members to seek alternative locations to donate blood if there are picket lines at American Red Cross.”

His message of solidarity was echoed by representatives of union locals. They vowed to inform co-workers about the work situation at Red Cross and urge them not to cross picket lines.

“We will continue to donate blood, but we will not cross a picket line,” said Mark Hebert, president of Machinists Local 743, adding his workers will find other ways to donate blood.

Others who offered support were Clarke King, executive vice president, Greater Hartford Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO; Gil Bironi, AFSCME Local 184; and Marie DeSousa, AFSCME Local 391, representing corrections officers.

FULL story at link.

The Red Cross (I worked 10 years for them, and thank God for the union) is unionized because they have a history of abusing their staffs.

I wish AFSCME Local 3145 success!

Stay strong.

And unified.