Lab workers at Tempus, a precision medicine company in Chicago, have formed a union under the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The group, which now numbers 443 members, made history as one of the first unions in the biotech industry when they voted for IAM representation in March 2024.
The campaign to organize Tempus lab workers was notable for its unique approach. Chris Tucker and Geny Ulloa, IAM Midwest Territory International Representatives, described how the workers themselves initiated interviews with various unions before selecting IAM. “They interviewed us,” said Tucker. “They were interviewing unions and we were one of the candidates that they were looking at to form their union.”
IAM Midwest Territory Coordinator William “Bill” LePinske highlighted the significance of this effort: “They are at the forefront of technology, using AI to study diseased cells to improve cancer care. Yet, they believe that their work should not come at the expense of their rights and wellbeing. Their union will set a new standard for what workers can expect and demand in the biotech industry.”
Anson Poe, a Tempus AI lab worker, explained why IAM was chosen: “We landed on the Machinists because they had experience with tech, they had experience with healthcare, and the reps I talked to were very responsive.”
Tucker pointed out that responsiveness played an important role in building trust during early discussions. “They chose the IAM because we were the most responsive,” he said. “When they reached out to us, we got back to them right away… We gave them the information and waited for them to come back to us.”
The organizing process involved educating both organizers and lab staff about each other’s needs and challenges. Tucker noted that many research laboratory employees faced long hours while feeling undervalued by management.
Poe shared his motivation: “I just saw management never listening to their good ideas, and I wanted to make them listen.”
The committee behind Tempus Unio—the name chosen by members—conducted regular virtual meetings over two years as part of their outreach efforts. According to Tucker: “The committee was very resilient for two years… The committee was very dedicated, ran a full-scale outreach campaign, and started their own communications.”
Workers educated themselves about labor rights and held visible events such as lunchtime Q&A sessions about unionization. Support among colleagues remained strong throughout authorization card collection efforts needed for an election.
After winning recognition as Local H1 within IAM’s Midwest Territory—the organization’s first healthcare unit—the focus shifted toward negotiating a contract.
LePinske led bargaining preparations: “We spent a lot of time in preparation,” he said. “Everything was very well thought out… On both sides of the table, it wasn’t about winning or losing; it was about solving problems.”
A year after certification of their election win—and following eight bargaining sessions—their first contract took effect on April 24, 2025. The agreement covers issues including work–life balance improvements; wage increases between 10%–12.5% over three years (with merit pay potential); retroactive raises; annual stock grants; safety committees; grievance procedures; arbitration processes; improved paid time off rules; and wage protections if new hires start above minimum rates.
Tucker praised those involved: “I really want to tip my hat to this bargaining committee… They spent a lot of their own time and made an extraordinary effort.”
Ulloa added: “Securing the first contract without any sort of issues has sent a strong message throughout the labor movement and America saying we are ready… We are ready to take on any challenge that is put in front of us.”
Their official title is Next Generation Local H1—a nod both to advances in DNA sequencing technology used by members (“Next Generation Sequencing”) and aspirations toward modern approaches within organized labor.
LePinske commented on this choice: “It signifies that they’re going to do things in a bit of a different way… It’s a reflection of the work they do.”
