Red Cross blames union for layoffs

FARMINGTON, Conn. (AP) - The American Red Cross in Connecticut says a union representing its workers has discouraged blood donations, forcing the organization to lay off 22 employees.

The Red Cross, which employs about 400 workers, also says it has discontinued and modified some blood collection programs. As a result, it has collected about 5,000 fewer donations than it had planned.

Red Cross spokeswoman Donna Morrissey says a contract with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees expired in late March without a new agreement.

The Red Cross says the union has discouraged blood donations, though Morrissey would not say how it has done so.

A call to a union official was not immediately returned. The Red Cross says it's relying on blood from other states for blood products.