(NEWARK, Calif.) – Fixed collections workers at American Red Cross in Newark have voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 856.

“Securing a Teamster contract is one of the best things that workers can do to protect themselves and their families,” said Peter Finn, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 856. “I am delighted to welcome these Red Cross workers to the Teamsters and look forward to working alongside them to get them an industry leading local supplement in the Bay Area.”

In voting the join the Teamsters, these workers will join more than 1,800 other Red Cross workers represented by the Teamsters and immediately be covered by a National Master Agreement between Teamsters and the American Red Cross.

“I supported forming a union with the Teamsters because I want a voice in my workplace, wage increases, and for a union to have our backs,” said Mayko So, collections technician at American Red Cross in Newark.

Founded in 1949, Teamsters 856 is affiliated with the 1.2 million-member International Brotherhood of Teamsters and has grown to become the second biggest Teamster Local in California representing 17,000 working people throughout Northern California. For more information, visit teamsters856.org.