Employees of Peoria-based Heart of America Red Cross Blood Services Region will hold an informational picket beginning at 5:30 p.m. today (Thursday, May 26) to protest Red Cross’s failure to bargain in good faith for a first-ever union contract.

These workers voted overwhelmingly nearly four years ago to form their union with the American Federation of State, COunty and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31.

Red Cross used legal maneuvers to delay counting the votes from that union election until September 2010 — and even then refused to bargain with the union until February of 2011.

The National Labor Relations Board has issued several charges against Red Cross for failure to bargain in good faith with the union.

WHO: Members of AFSCME Council 31 employed by Heart of America Red Cross Blood Services
WHAT: Informational picket for respect and a fair contract
WHEN: Today, Thursday, May 26, 5:30pm
WHERE: Red Cross, 405 W. John Gwynn Jr. Ave., Peoria