RICHLAND TOWNSHIP, CAMBRIA COUNTY---45 Johnstown union Red Cross employees were laid off Thursday.
The news came as a shock to the union president for the local 13000 Communications Workers of America.
"It is sad, very sad, another slam to this area," said Randy Vojtowicz, Unit 111 President. "I found out a few minutes before my meeting in Pittsburgh."
Nationwide the Red Cross is cutting 380 positions; they said its only 2% of their employees across the country. They released the following statement:
"Like many companies and non-profit organizations, the American Red Cross has had to take difficult steps to reorganize our operations and workforce to ensure our long-term sustainability. As part of the organization's overall cost-cutting measures, the Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region has notified some of its employees that their positions will be eliminated effective December 31, 2012. This will affect 45 of our approximately 550 staff members."
----Marianne Spampinato, APR Communications Manager
The cuts go into affect December 31, 2012.
Vojtowicz said he will fight to help save these union members jobs.
"Hopefully, we can get this straightened out, Johnstown doesn't need anymore jobs cut."
The news came as a shock to the union president for the local 13000 Communications Workers of America.
"It is sad, very sad, another slam to this area," said Randy Vojtowicz, Unit 111 President. "I found out a few minutes before my meeting in Pittsburgh."
Nationwide the Red Cross is cutting 380 positions; they said its only 2% of their employees across the country. They released the following statement:
"Like many companies and non-profit organizations, the American Red Cross has had to take difficult steps to reorganize our operations and workforce to ensure our long-term sustainability. As part of the organization's overall cost-cutting measures, the Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region has notified some of its employees that their positions will be eliminated effective December 31, 2012. This will affect 45 of our approximately 550 staff members."
----Marianne Spampinato, APR Communications Manager
The cuts go into affect December 31, 2012.
Vojtowicz said he will fight to help save these union members jobs.
"Hopefully, we can get this straightened out, Johnstown doesn't need anymore jobs cut."
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.