Members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local #929 will return to work today after voting to ratify a new 3-year collective bargaining agreement with the American Red Cross Penn-Jersey Blood Region.
The union represents approximately 110 employees who pack, ship and deliver blood to hospitals, assist at blood drives and help to maintain the regional facility.
"We are pleased that the membership voted to ratify the contract and we look forward to our valued colleagues returning to work and helping us to fulfill our mission of providing blood for patients in need," said Brigid O'Neill-LaGier, Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region. "We can now return our full attention to serving donors, sponsors, hospitals and patients."
The Red Cross says the new agreement is equitable and balanced in achieving the needs of both the Red Cross and Teamsters members, and is sensitive to the financial pressures that health care providers are experiencing in today's environment.
Union membership voted to ratify this contract on Wednesday, December 23, ending a work stoppage that began on December 3.