Red Cross cancels blood drive over strike threat

Associated Press

WILLOUGHBY

The American Red Cross has canceled a large blood drive in Northeast Ohio this week, citing a planned union strike.

The News-Herald in Willoughby reported that the Tuesday event in Mayfield Heights was canceled after the Teamsters Local 507 told the emergency response organization it would strike that day if no new bargaining agreement was reached.

The union says the Red Cross is cutting staffing levels and benefits. The Red Cross says proposed benefits packages are on par with what non-union staff members get.

The agency provides blood services for thousands of transfusions each week in the region. It says it will transport blood supplies from elsewhere to treat patients if the strike occurs.