Teamsters at American Red Cross ratify new national master agreement

Jason Lopes, Health Care Director for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and a business agent for Teamsters Local 25, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the new national master agreement for workers at the American Red Cross. He also discussed the union members in the healthcare industry and an extensive organizing campaign in Michigan. 

On Sept. 17, Teamsters at the American Red Cross voted to ratify a new national master agreement. The ratification vote passed with an 86 percent approval vote. Lopes discussed the importance of setting a new standard for improving the lives of over 1,900 American Red Cross Teamsters.

The new master agreement secured significant wage increases, improved employer-paid healthcare contributions and improved retirement benefits. Lopes said members will receive between 15 percent and 17 percent wage increases over the four-year contract. Also included in the master agreement is a neutrality agreement for organizing efforts in the American Red Cross. Lopes explained how this neutrality agreement will help build on the success they’ve had organizing, with nearly 50 organizing wins at American Red Cross locations across the country since 2022.

While the Teamsters have been known historically for their relationship with truck drivers, Lopes highlighted their work in the public service area, including healthcare workers. He discussed a large organizing drive in Michigan with over 8,000 Corewell Health nurses. Lopes talked about the anti-union actions of the employer that nurses faced during the drive. He reiterated the importance of unions like the Teamsters in providing workers with the protections and benefits they deserve.

To hear more about the Teamsters new master agreement with the American Red Cross, listen to the show above.