Red Cross workers ratify contract

Philadelphia-area Red Cross blood-service employees ratified a new three-year contract on Thursday, averting a second strike scheduled for Friday.

The new contract provides 2.5 percent wage increases in each of its first two years, and no wage increase in the third year, according to the union representing the employees, the Health Professionals and Allied Employees.

The contract also provides for a $400 bonus. A current health-care plan for the employees will be maintained through 2012 with premium caps and there will be new health-care plan for 2013.

The contract covers about 250 workers, many of whom work in mobile units collecting blood from donors

 The employees walked off the job in May for 30 days over the contract talks but returned to their jobs for a 90-day cooling off period.