Lab workers at Tempus AI, a precision medicine company in Chicago, have formed one of the first unions in the biotech industry after a unique organizing process. The workers, who specialize in using artificial intelligence to study diseased cells and improve cancer care, sought stronger safety standards, better work-life balance, more competitive pay and benefits, and greater equity and transparency from their employer.
Chris Tucker and Geny Ulloa, International Representatives from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Midwest Territory, described how this campaign differed from others they had experienced. “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.”
William “Bill” LePinske, IAM Midwest Territory Coordinator, noted the significance of the group’s decision: “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.”
The lab workers conducted thorough research on potential unions before selecting IAM. Anson Poe, a Tempus AI lab worker, explained: “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 highlighted responsiveness as key: “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.”
During two years of organizing efforts—including regular virtual meetings—the committee educated colleagues about unionization while developing an identity under the name Tempus Unio. They created a logo featuring a fist framed by a DNA sequence circle.
“They educated themselves. The company came to find that these workers weren’t scared at all,” said Tucker. “They knew their rights… They even set up a table at lunchtime that said ‘come ask me about our union’.”
Solidarity was central throughout organizing efforts. Tucker recalled: “Even if they did feel like somebody was scared, the others would lift them up and say ‘Don’t worry about it. We got your back.’ There was such solidarity at an early stage and having not ever been in a union.”
In March 2024, Tempus Unio voted for IAM representation; by then their bargaining unit included 443 lab workers as part of Local H1—IAM Midwest Territory’s first healthcare unit.
Ulloa reflected on its impact: “What this group means to us is they have put us in a position where we are ready to take on any sector… Not only [were] we able to be successful but it was something new to us and we were able to adapt.”
Negotiations for their first contract began with LePinske as lead negotiator. He commended both sides’ approach: “We spent a lot of time in preparation… On both sides of the table it wasn’t about winning or losing; it was about solving problems.”
Their first contract took effect April 24, 2025—just over one year after certification—and includes guaranteed wage increases between 10%–12.5% over three years (with merit-based additions), retroactive raises starting February 24, 2025, wage protection clauses if new hires start above minimums by more than five percent; annual company stock issues; creation of a safety committee; grievance procedures; arbitration processes; and improved paid time off rules.
Tucker praised those involved: “We got a first contract in only eight bargaining sessions… They spent a lot of their own time and made an extraordinary effort… They took everybody into account.”
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.”
The new local’s formal name is Next Generation Local H1—a reference both to advances in DNA sequencing technology (“Next Generation Sequencing”) used by members as well as their pioneering role within labor organizing.
LePinske commented on its symbolism: “The name is symbolic of their young energy coming into the space… It signifies that they’re going to do things in a bit of a different way… It’s also signifies what they were trying to accomplish with their local union.”
