PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Blood collectors from the area Red Cross have been on strike since the end of May. But they will return to work starting Thursday after agreeing to a 90-day cooling off period.



Under the agreement, the 250 blood supply workers — represented by the Health Professionals and Allied Employees — will continue to have their same contract terms and protections while the negotiations continue.

“The staff members will come back at which time they will have to complete a refresher training course before resuming their full duties and then we hope to have the schedule back up full steam by Tuesday next week,” said Anthony Tornetta, Red Cross Regional Communications manager.

Both sides met this week for the first time since the strike began.

“The best outcome is a fair contract for both sides. It has to include safety standards and protections for the workers which means safety and protection for the blood supply and our donors,” said Ann Towmey, Regional President of HPAE.

The cooling off period ends September 9.

Reported by Suzanne Monaghan, KYW Newsradio