Longtime International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) representatives Chris Tucker and Geny Ulloa encountered a unique organizing campaign with lab workers at Tempus, a Chicago-based precision medicine company. Unlike typical union drives, the workers interviewed several unions before selecting IAM as their representative.
“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.”
The 350 lab employees sought improved safety standards, work-life balance, competitive pay and benefits, as well as equity and transparency from their employer. According to IAM Midwest Territory Coordinator William “Bill” LePinske, “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.”
Many Tempus AI staff hold advanced degrees and work in cancer research utilizing artificial intelligence. Lab worker Anson Poe explained why they chose 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 noted responsiveness was 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, 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.”
The campaign’s next phase involved educating both organizers and workers about workplace rights and expectations during unionization. Organizers learned that lab employees often worked long hours without recognition or adequate compensation.
“I’ve never worked at a place where I get along so well with my coworkers,” Poe said. “I just saw management never listening to their good ideas, and I wanted to make them listen.”
“They needed our help,” said Tucker. “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 organizing committee led outreach efforts through virtual meetings over two years without missing any sessions.
“The committee was very resilient for two years,” said Tucker. “We met every other week in virtual meetings for two years, and we did not miss a meeting for years. The committee was very dedicated, ran a full-scale outreach campaign, and started their own communications.”
During this time workers established an identity by naming themselves Tempus Unio—Latin for unity—and designing a logo featuring a fist encircled by DNA strands.
“They educated themselves. The company came to find that these workers weren’t scared at all,” Tucker said. “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’.”
Solidarity grew within the group as more authorization cards were collected ahead of an election.
“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,’” said Tucker.
In March 2024 Tempus Unio became one of biotech’s first unions after voting for IAM representation; by then its bargaining unit had grown to 443 members under Local H1—the first healthcare unit in IAM’s Midwest Territory.
“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,” Ulloa stated.
Negotiations began soon after certification with LePinske leading talks toward a first contract.
“We spent a lot of time in preparation,” LePinske said.“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.”
A year after certification,their initial contract took effect April 24 2025.It addresses issues such as pay,safety,and transparency.Wage increases between 10%–12.5% over three years are included along with retroactive raises from February 24 2025.Wage protection ensures new hires cannot earn more than 5% above contractual minimums unless current wages rise accordingly.The agreement also guarantees annual stock awards,a safety committee,a grievance procedure,and better paid leave rules.
“We got a first contract in only eight bargaining sessions,”Tucker noted.“I really want to tip my hat to this bargaining committee.They were incredibly dedicated… 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 is named Next Generation Local H1—a reference both to next-generation sequencing technology used by members,and aspirations for modern labor organization.“The name is symbolic of their young energy coming into the space,”LePinske explained.“It signifies that they’re going do things…a more modern way…because…the process…is known as ‘Next Generation Sequencing’ or NGS,and also signifies what they were trying accomplish…”
