There will be labor peace again as members of the Teamsters Union working at the Red Cross Blood Services division finally have a new contract, ending a walkout against the blood collection agency.

The Red Cross says member of Teamsters Local 507 ratified the new contact and could be back on the job as early as this week. Health care coverage had been the key sticking point, according to prior media reports.

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(American Red Cross Blood Services) The following statement regarding a new contract agreement between the American Red Cross Northern Ohio Blood Services Region and Teamsters Local 507 may be attributed to Christy Sabaka, Communications Manager:

"The American Red Cross is pleased to announce that it received notification today that a new collective bargaining contract has been ratified with Teamsters Local 507 in the Northern Ohio Blood Services Region. We are grateful that Teamsters members have agreed to the terms of the new contract and will start to return to work as soon as this week. This union represents 236 blood collection operation employees.

The new agreement is equitable and balanced in achieving the needs of both the Red Cross and Teamsters members, and is sensitive to the financial pressures that health care providers are experiencing in today’s economic environment. With an agreement in place, we are looking forward to our valued colleagues returning to work and together focusing our full attention on ensuring a sufficient blood supply for the hospitals and patients we serve. The Red Cross has already reached 23 other agreements with local labor unions since last summer."