(WICHITA, Kan.) – American Red Cross workers who collect blood throughout the state of Kansas have voted overwhelmingly, 64-13, to join Teamsters Local 795 in Wichita, Kan. There are 91 workers in the bargaining unit.

Stephanie Daniels, a three-year Collection Technician II at Red Cross, helped lead organizing efforts, seeking a structured policy from management.

“We met with different unions that represent Red Cross employees and felt that the Teamsters were the best fit for us. We knew we could trust them and that they would provide strong representation,” Daniels said. “Now we will work with Local 795 to negotiate a contract that is consistent across the board.”

Theresa Foster, a four-year Specialist Collection Technician II, is also looking forward to her first Teamster contract to bring fairness to the workplace.

“We will work together as Teamsters to negotiate a contract with everyone’s concerns in mind. Rules should be consistent and fair, and seniority should matter,” Foster said.

“We are happy to have the Wichita American Red Cross workers vote to become Teamster members. It was a resounding victory in favor of the union by a margin of 5-1. We are looking forward to negotiating their first contract,” said Jesse Castillo, President of Local 795.

“Wichita Red Cross workers let their voices be heard,” said Michael Filler, Director of the Teamsters Public Services Division. “Despite the anti-union rhetoric advanced by the Central Plains regional management team, these courageous women and men said ‘yes’ because they believe the Teamsters can make a difference in wages, benefits and working conditions.”

There are 18 Teamster local unions across the United States that represent Red Cross biomedical service workers. These newest members will be part of the Teamsters Public Services Division, which represents more than 260,000 Teamsters.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.