Red Cross: National Bargaining Report 2

NATIONAL BARGAINING REPORT: May 29, 2018

UNION MEMBERS STAY UNITED, FIGHTING FOR BETTER PAY AND WORK CONDITIONS
 Bargaining team members from the Coalition of Red Cross Unions spent three full days last week (our second three-day session) to discuss our national proposals to Red Cross to improve worker and donor safety, improve worker retention, decrease workforce turnover, and improve employees’ work-life balance. Last week over 30 Red Cross bargaining unit employees in Collections, Manufacturing, Donor Recruitment, Lab, Hospital Services, Kitting, Maintenance, Clerical, etc., union leaders, and union advisers jointed the bargaining team to lend their personal experiences and expertise.
 At the national bargaining session last week, the Union Coalition proposed changes to the 45/45/45 initiative and the Mobile Unit Assistant/Collection Technician cross-training program, and we proposed improvements to staffing and scheduling.

ARC characterized 45/45/45 and cross-training initiatives as successful, focusing mainly on “increased productivity.” ARC says they have not found connections between these initiatives and injuries (though they admit that worker injuries are too high). The Coalition questioned ARC’s use of data -- ARC is not accurately tracking individuals performing the cross-trained function, and ARC lumped all of its cross-training data together, not separated by regions or other important distinctions.

There is a clear disconnect in the way that ARC management characterizes these initiatives and the experiences of workers. Management asserts that these programs are flourishing while workers report increased challenges and inconsistent implementation. The union presented information from members in the room and workers across the country who have difficulties with time to set up, load, drive, and break down blood drives. We shared stories of injuries and accidents due to lack of proper training or equipment to unload and pack materials, or insufficient training to drive certain vehicles. The union proposals address all of these issues, including staffing shortages, workplace injuries, scheduling changes, workforce turnover, and safety.
YOU CAN HELP!

The next bargaining starts June 5. We need help collecting and sharing info in all of our workplaces. Talk to your Local Union Rep or Bargaining Team member to find out get involved!