Lab workers at Tempus AI, a precision medicine company in Chicago, have formed one of the first unions in the biotech industry. The group, now known as Next Generation Local H1, chose to affiliate with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) after interviewing several unions.
“They interviewed us,” said Chris Tucker, IAM Midwest Territory International Representative. “They were interviewing unions and we were one of the candidates that they were looking at to form their union.”
The lab workers at Tempus AI sought stronger safety standards, improved work-life balance, more competitive pay and benefits, and greater transparency from their employer. According to William “Bill” LePinske, IAM Midwest Territory Coordinator: “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 lab worker at Tempus AI, explained why they selected IAM: “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 IAM’s approach during organizing: “They chose the IAM because we were the most responsive. When they reached out to us, we got back to them right away, and then if we didn’t know an answer to one of their questions, we’d say so, we would find an answer, and get back to them with it, then we didn’t hound them. We gave them the information and waited for them to come back to us.”
Organizers learned about challenges faced by research laboratory workers—long hours and lack of recognition for solutions offered by staff. Poe noted: “I’ve never worked at a place where I get along so well with my coworkers. I just saw management never listening to their good ideas, and I wanted to make them listen.”
Tucker added: “They needed our help. They know their field and workplace, and we know how to build a union. We came together, and they made this union their own.”
The campaign involved extensive outreach over two years through virtual meetings every other week without interruption. The group developed its own identity under the name Tempus Unio—with a logo representing both solidarity and scientific work.
“They educated themselves. The company came to find that these workers weren’t scared at all,” said Tucker. “They knew their rights, they knew what the company could and couldn’t do, and they weren’t afraid of the typical union-busting antics that companies do. They even set up a table at lunchtime that said ‘come ask me about our union’.”
During this period, committee members supported each other amid concerns about organizing efforts. Tucker observed: “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. We’ll be there with you.’ There was such solidarity at an early stage and having not ever been in a union.”
In March 2024 lab workers voted for IAM representation; by then 443 employees were part of the bargaining unit when Local H1 was officially chartered as IAM Midwest Territory’s first healthcare unit.
“What this group means to us is they have put us in a position where we are ready to take on any sector, any demographic of workers: young workers, nontraditional workplaces and emerging industries,” said Geny Ulloa, Midwest Territory Organizing Lead for IAM.
Negotiations for a first contract began shortly after certification under lead negotiator Bill LePinske.
“We spent a lot of time in preparation,” said LePinske. “Everything was very well thought out.
I applaud the committee’s work away from the bargaining table and their level of dedication to the process. On both sides of the table, it wasn’t about winning or losing; it was about solving problems.”
The contract went into effect April 24, 2025—just over one year after certification—and includes wage increases between 10%–12.5% over three years (with merit-based additions), retroactive pay starting February 24th 2025; provisions for annual company stock issues; wage protection language; establishment of safety committees; grievance procedures; arbitration processes; 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 to create terms that don’t just benefit themselves but benefit the whole group.”
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.”
LePinske explained why Next Generation Local H1 was chosen as their formal name: “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—a more modern way… because the process they use sequencing patients’ DNA is known as ‘Next Generation Sequencing’ or NGS—and also signifies what they were trying to accomplish with their local union.”
