Union: Conn. Red Cross layoffs ‘act of reprisal’

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/statenewengland/503015-227/union-conn.-red-cross-layoffs-act-of.html

BC-CT — Red Cross Complaint,0131

Union: Conn. Red Cross layoffs ‘act of reprisal’

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NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (AP) — A union claims in a federal labor complaint that the American Red Cross laid off 19 workers in Connecticut because they questioned the agency’s commitment to making sure blood donations are safe.

Council 4 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees has filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging the layoffs were “an act of reprisal designed to intimidate union members from exercising their rights.”

Red Cross officials dispute the union’s allegations, saying the layoffs announced last month were made because of a downturn in blood collection that followed the discontinuation of a blood collection program.

The union had complained to state health officials that the program employed unlicensed medical personnel.

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Information from: The Herald, http://www.newbritainherald.com