Workers have been without a contract since 2008
FLINT -- By Cheri Hardmon:
Dozens of Red Cross workers in Flint spent their usual work day protesting on Wednesday, after contract negoiations broke down last week.
Red Cross workers from 65 counties in Michigan have now gone on strike.
"We can not offer one group of employees a health care plan and not be able to offer it to another group of employees, so that's the sticking point," says Red Cross spokesperson Monica Stoneking, when discussing the disagreement between the Red Cross and its union employees.
Red Cross workers say its about the security of their jobs.
"We are protesting that the Red Cross continues to violate the labor laws and treats their workers unfairly," said Jeff Fleming, union representative for Local 459.
The workers who walked off the job collect blood through drives. The mostly statewide strike could lead to blood shortages in Michigan, if a new contract is not in place soon.
Another round of talks is scheduled for September 17th.
Both sides say they hope they will be able to come to an agreement before then.
