In a historic victory for nearly 1,900 American Red Cross workers, Teamsters across the country have ratified a national agreement that will significantly improve their wages, benefits, and working conditions. The new contract, which will be in effect from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2028, received an overwhelming 86 percent approval from the union members.
The agreement is being hailed as a game-changer for Red Cross workers, offering some of the most meaningful improvements seen in recent years. Key highlights include substantial wage increases, enhanced employer-paid health care contributions, and time-and-a-half pay for holidays. Workers will also see a significant boost to their retirement plans, with a six percent 401(k) match and a faster vesting period of just two years.
Sean M. O’Brien, Teamsters General President, expressed pride in the landmark deal, emphasizing the vital role these workers play in maintaining the nation’s blood supply. “American Red Cross Teamsters have just ratified their strongest collective bargaining agreement yet,” O’Brien said. “These workers are a crucial part of the blood supply chain and deserve every cent and benefit they fought for. Over the next four years, we’ll make sure this contract is fully enforced, and they get every ounce of what was promised.”
In addition to the national agreement, the Teamsters represent Red Cross workers at 34 local unions, many of which are covered by supplemental agreements that address location-specific pay and work conditions. So far, 24 out of 28 of these local agreements have also been ratified electronically, signaling widespread satisfaction with the gains.
Jason Lopes, Teamsters Health Care Director, highlighted how the deal sets a new benchmark not only for Red Cross employees but for workers across the health care industry. “This agreement raises the bar in a big way for some of the most essential workers in the industry. We’re confident that this will have a life-changing impact on Red Cross Teamsters and will serve as a strong foundation as we continue organizing more Red Cross facilities nationwide,” Lopes said.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, represents 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. With this new deal, they have once again demonstrated their ability to secure powerful victories for their members. The national contract at the American Red Cross is expected to not only improve the lives of workers but also serve as an organizing tool for the union as they continue to grow their presence at Red Cross facilities across the country.
This is a major win for Red Cross workers, proving that when they stand together, they can achieve lasting change. The new contract, with its wage boosts and retirement perks, is a big step forward for those who work every day to keep the nation’s blood supply flowing.
