Planned Strike by Red Cross Nurses Canceled

Red Cross nurses and technicians called off a strike scheduled to begin Thursday and announced that they will meet Saturday to vote on a new contract offer.

Earlier in the week, the 225 registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses and technicians represented by Service Employees International Union, Local 535, had threatened to strike at 10 a.m. Thursday if the Red Cross did not make them a better contract offer. On Thursday, union officials said sufficient progress had been made in negotiations to temporarily call off the planned strike.

If union members reject the Red Cross’ offer Saturday, the strike will begin at 9 a.m. Sunday at a variety of locations in Los Angeles and Orange counties, according to union officials.

Meanwhile, Red Cross officials said blood service operations will continue in the event of a strike, utilizing management personnel and relying on reserves of blood currently on hand.

The union and Red Cross have been at odds over several issues, primarily wages and staffing levels. Top monthly pay for a registered nurse at the Red Cross is $2,041, compared to $2,200 paid to entry-level registered nurses at Kaiser Permanente Hospitals, according to union officials. Licensed vocational nurses at the Red Cross make about $1,570 a month. The union is seeking a 7% pay increase.