By
Maria Escobar, on March 19th, 2010
STUDENTS & WORKERS UNITE!
From March 28 to April 4, students and workers across the country are uniting on campuses and communities across the country to fight for ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION & GOOD, SUSTAINABLE JOBS.
Visit www.studentlabor.org to learn more. You can sign up, find an action near you, or download an organizing kit.
Want to participate, but not sure what to plan?
Justice at American Red Cross Day of Action – March 31st, 2010
Donor safety at risk
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.
Campus 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 horrendous track record of protecting the safety of the U.S. blood supply. Since 2003, Red Cross has been fined $21 million for repeated safety failures. Decisions on additional fines are currently under consideration at the FDA.
Working conditions at Blood Donation drives
Red Cross frequently understaffs blood
Continue reading Student Labor Week of Action! March 28-April 4
By
Sean Rudolph, on December 10th, 2009
Editor’s Note: In October, Jobs with Justice released a report warning about the working conditions at the American Red Cross and the safety of its blood supply.
December 10- One week ago, more than 100 frontline blood collection workers employed by the American Red Cross and members of Teamsters Local 929 went on strike to educate the public about working conditions in the Pennsylvania-New Jersey area that could potentially put the region’s blood supply at risk.
These blood collection workers often work 14 hours a day, up to twenty one days in a row, driving to and from blood drives, unloading and loading heavy equipment, labeling blood donations, assuring the safe disposal of used needles, packaging blood, and transporting it for processing and testing. Workers are standing strong in Philadelphia, expanding picket lines around the city, and getting the word out about the Red Cross.
You can send a message to the Red Cross supporting these workers here: TAKE ACTION
Sean Rudolph works for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
