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 with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The group, now known as “Next Generation Local H1,” represents 443 lab employees and recently ratified its first contract.
The organizing campaign began when Tempus AI’s lab workers, many of whom hold advanced degrees and work on cancer research using artificial intelligence, sought to improve safety standards, work-life balance, pay, benefits, and workplace transparency. Instead of waiting for unions to approach them, the workers interviewed several unions before selecting IAM.
“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.”
IAM Midwest Territory Coordinator William “Bill” LePinske explained the significance: “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 involved in the process, described 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 highlighted IAM’s approach: “They chose the IAM because we were the most responsive. 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 committee dedicated two years to building support among colleagues through regular virtual meetings and outreach campaigns. They created their own identity as Tempus Unio—Latin for union—and designed a logo symbolizing their mission.
Tucker noted how prepared workers became: “They educated themselves. The company came to find that these workers weren’t scared at all… They knew their rights… They even set up a table at lunchtime that said ‘come ask me about our union’.”
After securing enough authorization cards for an election in March 2024, Tempus Unio officially chartered as Local H1 under IAM’s Midwest Territory healthcare unit.
Geny Ulloa, Midwest Territory Organizing Lead for IAM, reflected on this milestone: “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.”
Lead negotiator Bill LePinske described preparations for bargaining: “We spent a lot of time in preparation. Everything was very well thought out. I applaud the committee’s work away from the bargaining table and their level of dedication… it wasn’t about winning or losing; it was about solving problems.”
The first contract went into effect April 24, 2025—just over a year after certification—and includes guaranteed wage increases between 10% and 12.5% over three years (with retroactive increases from February 24), annual company stock issues, improved paid time off rules, safety committees, grievance procedures and arbitration processes.
“We got a first contract in only eight bargaining sessions,” said Tucker. “I really want to tip my hat to this bargaining committee… 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.”
LePinske commented on naming Local H1 as Next Generation Local H1: “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 …‘Next Generation Sequencing’ or NGS … also signifies what they were trying to accomplish with their local union.”
