Petition to Support Worker and Donor Safety at American Red Cross

Support Worker and Donor Safety at American Red Cross

• Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States, controlling more than 40 percent of the U.S. blood supply.
• Blood drives are big business for Red Cross. In 2009, it had $2.2 billion in revenues from its blood operations.
• While giving blood addresses a critical medical need, Red Cross has a track record that raises serious concerns for the safety of the U.S. blood supply and of the workers and donors. Since 2003, Red Cross has been fined $21 million for repeated safety failures. Decisions on additional fines are currently under consideration at the FDA.
• HPAE Local 5103 Red Cross workers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are entering negotiations to fight for safe staffing practices and working conditions that will retain experienced and qualified medical personnel.

Join workers, students, and community members to demand a fair contract!
I support blood donor safety and worker respect at American Red Cross blood drives in my community. I stand in solidarity with HPAE Local 5103 to ensure a contract that reflects these priorities:

• Safe staffing on all blood drives
• Clean, safe, and well-equipped blood drive sites
• Comprehensive staff training, orientation and mentoring
• A work environment that supports staff recruitment and retention