By AP
LANSING, MI – Several unions are striking American Red Cross blood operations in six states over what they call unfair labor practices.
Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 459 in Lansing says it's calling a three-day strike, starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Michigan strike sites are Lansing, Flint, Kalamazoo, Muskegon and Petoskey.
The strikes also are at sites in Farmington, Conn.; Huntington, W.Va.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Toledo, Ohio; and Pomona, Calif.
Local 459 says 1,000 workers are striking nationwide. It says Red Cross unilaterally cut benefits.
Red Cross spokeswoman Stephanie Millian says it's seeking concessions during great economic difficulty. She says the strikes at six of its 36 regions won't interrupt services.