PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The American Red Cross says about 200 workers who staff blood drives in western Pennsylvania and four other states plan to strike starting Sept. 16.

The Red Cross Greater Alleghenies Region issued a statement Monday expressing concern at a possible strike "that will disrupt blood collections at a time when the need for blood is high and supplies are already tight."

The strike notification is one of four received so far by the Red Cross nationally by a coalition of labor unions.

The group said that besides western Pennsylvania, blood collection would be effected in some counties in Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The strike notice came from Local 13000 of the Communications Workers of America, which did not immediately return a call seeking comment.