American Red Cross workers of Local 721 came together with union colleagues from across the country to reach the first ever national union contract. THIS WIN STANDS AS A SHINING EXAMPLE OFTHE POWER OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING THAT HAPPENS ONLY WHEN WE HAVE A UNION.
For the first time, thousands of workers represented by 8 different unions formed a coalition (AMERICAN RED CROSS UNION COALITION), to strengthen collective bargaining on a national scale, which includes approximately 270 Local 721 members who were bargaining separately resulting in smaller contracts with comparatively weaker strength and less uniformity for workers with equal duties.
Reaching a strong contract for thousands of workers spread across the country was a complex collaborative process that required many hours worked and miles traveled. Some members traveled to the Red Cross headquarters in Washington D.C. to participate and give feedback to union leaders in the bargaining process.
With the ratification of the national contract, workers will benefits including:
- Six percent wage increase over 3 years
- Union run healthcare plan that effectively transfers control over healthcare plan rates and benefits from employer to union members
- A unified coalition of 8 unions over 4000 members strong
By reaching a national agreement, it will likely be a model used to boost workers in a bigger more unified way in the future.
>> Download this American Red Cross contract announcement (PDF).