Longtime representatives of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Chris Tucker and Geny Ulloa, have led a unique organizing campaign among lab workers at Tempus, an AI-driven precision medicine company in Chicago. The campaign stood out from the beginning, as the workers interviewed unions to determine which would best represent their interests.
“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 workers at Tempus sought improved safety standards, better work-life balance, more competitive pay and benefits, and greater 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 employees hold advanced degrees and work in leading cancer research laboratories utilizing artificial intelligence. After researching several unions, they chose IAM due to its experience with both technology and healthcare sectors.
“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,” said Anson Poe, a Tempus AI lab worker.
Tucker highlighted IAM’s responsiveness during the initial outreach: “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.”
After selecting IAM Union, organizers entered an education phase that involved mutual learning between staffers and lab workers about labor rights and representation processes. Tucker noted that many laboratory employees felt undervalued despite their dedication.
“I’ve never worked at a place where I get along so well with my coworkers,” said Poe. “I just saw management never listening to their good ideas, and I wanted to make them listen.”
“They needed our help,” added 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 regularly met virtually over two years without missing meetings while conducting outreach efforts among colleagues.
“The committee was very resilient for two years,” said Tucker. “We met every other week in virtual meetings for two years… The committee was very dedicated.”
During this period, Tempus Unio—named by its members—created its own identity with a Latin name reflecting scientific tradition and a logo symbolizing solidarity within biotech.
“They educated themselves. The company came to find that these workers weren’t scared at all,” said Tucker. He described how employees became informed about labor laws and resisted typical anti-union tactics by engaging openly with peers about unionization.
The second year focused on gathering enough authorization cards for an election while maintaining morale among supporters.
“Even if they did feel like somebody was scared, the others would lift them up… There was such solidarity at an early stage…” Tucker recalled.
In March 2024, Tempus Unio became one of the first unions in biotechnology when 443 lab workers voted for IAM representation; this group formed Local H1 under 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… Not only the fact that we were able to be successful, but it was something new to us and we were able to adapt,” Ulloa stated.
Lead negotiator Bill LePinske guided bargaining for their first contract: “We spent a lot of time in preparation… I applaud the committee’s work away from the bargaining table… 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 a year after certification—and included wage increases between 10%–12.5% over three years plus merit raises; retroactive pay increases from February 24; wage protection clauses; guaranteed annual company stock issues; establishment of safety committees; grievance procedures; arbitration processes; and improved paid time off policies.
Tucker remained engaged throughout negotiations: “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…”
The local is formally named Next Generation Local H1—a reference both to next-generation DNA sequencing techniques used by members’ research work as well as signaling modern approaches within labor organizing.
“The name is symbolic of their young energy coming into the space,” LePinske explained. “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… also signifies what they were trying to accomplish with their local union.”
