The AFL-CIO has strongly supported the right of employees of the American Red Cross and other charitable agencies to union representation. During the massive reorganization and centralization of the Red Cross's Blood Service in the last two years, that right has been respected in many parts of the country. But in other areas, it has been jeopardized. One area where problems have arisen is Cleveland. District 1199-OH has tried to resolve this dispute.
Federal mediation is already underway.
The next meetings between union and management are scheduled for March. The American Red Cross should make certain that the Blood Service reorganization does not jeopardize the work duties of its unionized employees in Cleveland or any other area. Indeed, if the Cleveland dispute is not equitably resolved, it could set a bad precedent nationally for the erosion of workers' rights in an organization whose success depends in large part on the help and participation of working people. In the past, the AFL-CIO has intervened on behalf of employees of the Red Cross and other charitable agencies. In this case, the Federation continues to give its full support to the SEIU members and all other trade unionists affected by reorganization of the Blood Service.