New Report Questions Red Cross Practices

Millions of Americans contribute blood and money to the Red Cross with the belief that the organization is well run and the blood supply is protected. But a new Jobs with Justice report raises serious concerns about donor safety and the security of the nation’s blood supply. 

The Missouri Jobs with Justice Workers’ Rights Board released the report, “Labor Relations at the American Red Cross and Its Impact on Employee and Donor Safety,” after hearing from front-line Red Cross workers across the country. The investigative report outlines practices that jeopardize blood donors’ safety and the integrity of the blood supply, including long work hours that lead to fatigue and mistakes; sharp pay cuts that cause dramatic increases in employee turnover and hiring non-qualified workers instead of certified nurses.

Philip Dine, an award-winning journalist and author of the report, says:

"Few national institutions have a prouder name or a more storied history than the American Red Cross. But many frontline blood workers see the Red Cross as an employer that is increasingly determined to cut expenses and increase revenues, even to the potential detriment of donor safety, employee wellbeing and the security of the nation’s blood supply. "

Dine's report includes comments from members of Council 4 Local 3145, representing front-line blood collection workers at the Connecticut Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross.

• Download a copy of the Jobs with Justice report on the Red Cross.
• Read the New Britain Herald/Bristol Press article, "Pro Worker Group's Report Chides Red Cross."
• Visit  our "Campaign for Safe Blood" page for more information on our struggle with the Red Cross.

You can let the Red Cross know you want to ensure that the blood drives are safe here or tweet a message here.