CHICAGO, March 7, 2024 – A majority of 400 lab workers at a downtown Chicago artificial intelligence biotech lab have voted overwhelmingly to join the IAM Union. Workers voted in the National Labor Relations Board election on Thursday, March 7.

Tempus AI workers use artificial intelligence to research diseased cells.

“Our victory to join the IAM union shows our commitment to the future of cancer care and making Tempus AI the best employer possible,” said the IAM Tempus Worker Organizing Committee. “We look forward to negotiating a first contract that includes rigorous safety protocols, pay and benefits that align with the rest of our industry, a voice on the job, and better the outcomes for patients that Tempus serves.”

Tempus AI lab workers, many of whom carry advanced degrees, are seeking stronger safety standards, a better life-work balance, more competitive pay and benefits compared to industry colleagues, and equity and transparency from their employer. 

“The IAM welcomes Tempus AI workers into our union,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Tempus AI workers, who are part of the emerging industry of AI, providing significant advances and innovations in patient care.  These workers deserve respect and dignity on the job. I would like to thank IAM Midwest Territory Grand Lodge Representatives Geny Ulloa and Chris Tucker for all their dedication and organizing talents working with the Tempus AI workers to make this victory possible. With their help, Tempus AI workers have stood up and organized together for a better future.”

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, railroad, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.

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IAM International President Brian Bryant has appointed two seasoned organizers to key positions in IAM Healthcare, each poised to bring their wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to the forefront of advocacy in the healthcare industry.

First among them is Beth Pease, stepping into the role of Assistant Healthcare Coordinator. With an impressive track record spanning 25 years in the labor movement, Pease brings a specialized skill set honed through years of organizing, representing, and strategizing within the healthcare industry, as well as food service, textiles, and state government.

She is committed to amplifying the voices of healthcare professionals and ensuring they can advocate for themselves and their patients in an industry that presents workers with life-or-death challenges. Pease is based in Massachusetts but has worked all over the country. She was born and raised in Texas and has extensive experience running and winning campaigns in the South.

Joining Pease is Ivy Geilker, who has been appointed to the role of Associate Organizer.

Geilker comes to IAM Healthcare from her position with the Colorado State Employees’ Union as a lead organizer. Geilker has run successful organizing campaigns for employees in a variety of sectors, from university campus staff to workers at the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.

Geilker witnessed firsthand the dedication and sacrifices of healthcare professionals through her mother’s career in the industry.

“Beth and Ivy both possess an innate understanding of the indispensable roles of the essential workers of the healthcare industry,” said IAM Healthcare Director Shane Brinton. “They are champions of healthcare workers’ rights and safety, as they recognize the sacrifices these workers make to care for others.”

As Pease and Geilker assume their respective roles in the IAM, their combined expertise and passion will help the IAM to expand its representation in an industry where workers’ voices need to be raised more than ever.

“The healthcare industry is one of the many industries that is organizing with unions at an unprecedented rate,” said Bryant. “We are excited to bring on Beth and Ivy to help us grow our presence in this sector. Their experience in this industry is highly valuable and will lead to even better representation of our current healthcare members.”

Both appointments were effective Feb. 1, 2024.

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We are excited to announce that two pioneering leaders from The Pharmacy Guild, a part of IAM Healthcare, have been honored in the 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy Awards for their significant contributions to the pharmacy industry. Dr. Shane Jerominski is a seasoned pharmacist based in California with 16 years of experience in both retail and hospital settings, and one of the founding leaders in our movement. Dr. Jerominski, known for his impactful online presence as The Accidental Pharmacist, has played a pivotal role in launching The Pharmacy Guild, and building an industry that is more fair for patients and pharmacy professionals alike.

Dr. Bled Tanoe, a talented pharmacist hailing from Oklahoma and the visionary behind the pro-reform #PizzaIsNotWorking social media campaign, was also celebrated in the awards. Her campaign, initiated in 2021, boldly addresses poor working conditions in major pharmacy chains like Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, and others. Dr. Tanoe’s efforts have not only instigated positive changes within states but have also garnered international attention, featured in media outlets across the UK, Canada, and Australia. 

Join us in applauding Dr. Shane Jerominski and Dr. Bled Tanoe for this well-deserved recognition of their contributions as influential voices and top leaders shaping the future of pharmacy. We’re proud to have them fighting to reshape our industry with the Pharmacy Guild!

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COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 3, 2024 – Nearly 1,000 Patient Care Associates (PCAs) and Psychiatric Care Technicians (PCTs) at the Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The healthcare workers chose IAM representation in a mail ballot election conducted between Dec. 5 and 19, which concluded with the counting of ballots on Jan. 3.

The organizing effort was a collaboration between the IAM and the Ohio State University Nurses Organization (OSUNO), a local of the Ohio Nurses Association and an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), which represents approximately 4,000 Registered Nurses (RNs) at the Wexner Medical Center.

As a PCA, I am so happy to have a voice in the workplace finally, said Lyndsee Cody, PCA at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center. “Alongside my colleagues, we came together knowing that we deserve to be heard to have a better quality of life for ourselves and others surrounding us. Having a Union at OSU will strengthen us as a team and as a whole alongside the nurses. I am looking forward to our future with the IAM.”  

IAM Organizing Department Grand Lodge Representative Ali Rhodes, at the forefront of this strategic and comprehensive campaign, along with her colleagues, initiated this effort over a year ago. Their dedication aimed to empower healthcare workers with a genuine voice on the job, improved wages and benefits, and heightened staffing levels, ultimately enhancing patient care.

“The resilience and unity demonstrated by the Patient Care Associates at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has been nothing short of inspiring,” said Rhodes. “We are proud to welcome them into the IAM family, and we look forward to working together to secure better conditions for all.” 

“This victory is a testament to the steadfast dedication of our members and the effectiveness of our organizing strategy,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “The IAM remains committed to strengthening our presence in the health care industry, and this success is a crucial step forward in achieving that goal.”

This historic triumph underscores IAM International President Brian Bryant’s unwavering commitment to expanding the union’s influence in the healthcare sector. It also continues the successful IAM-AFT Health Care Organizing Partnership, showcasing the collaborative strength between the unions.

“This monumental victory not only solidifies our position in the healthcare sector but also sets the stage for future successes in Ohio and other states in the Eastern Territory,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “As we continue to build on the IAM-AFT Health Care Organizing Partnership, we anticipate more positive outcomes for our members.”

The PCAs are fighting for a change that will not only enhance their lives and their colleagues’ lives but also increase patient care. They are fighting for workplace safety measures, increased staffing levels, and fair wages and benefits, which they greatly deserve as healthcare professionals. The PCAs have seen the power of coming together collectively in the past year, as Wexner Hospital has seen multiple healthcare groups unionize. They are eager to have a voice alongside them. 

“This victory by the dedicated healthcare professionals at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center is a testament to the strength of the group and their commitment to respect and dignity in the workplace,” said Vinny Addeo, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “This victory also reflects the strength of our IAM Organizing Department and IAM-AFT Health Care Organizing Partnership. I am thankful for OSUNO’s leadership and assistance throughout this process.”  

“The successful outcome of this organizing campaign is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our organizing team,” said IAM Organizing Director Mike Evans. “We are proud to have empowered these healthcare workers and believe this victory will serve as a beacon for further organizing efforts within the healthcare industry.”

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.

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WASHINGTON, November 21, 2023 – The Pharmacy Guild, a worker empowerment project launched earlier this month by grassroots pharmacy activists with backing from the IAM Healthcare union, released a statement in response to Walgreens’ announcement that a majority of their pharmacies will close for Thanksgiving: 

“This is clearly a reaction to pharmacy professionals coming together to unionize with The Pharmacy Guild. While Walgreens is finally starting to consider the work-life balance disparity of their pharmacy employees, it is short-lived and does not address underlying problems. Consistent, appropriate staffing levels allow pharmacists to practice without risk to their license or patient safety, which is the morale boost healthcare workers desire most. Taking a reactive approach to unsafe working conditions is ineffective and unacceptable. The Pharmacy Guild will continue to prompt Walgreens and other corporate chains to make the necessary investments in our community pharmacies.”

Echoing the official statement of The Pharmacy Guild, Dr. Maurice Shaw, PharmD, a clinical pharmacist and former Walgreens employee who runs the RxComedy social media account, added:

“Being able to spend holidays with your family, without having to worry that your workload will be unbearable when you get back to the pharmacy the next day, is something that should be guaranteed, not something you hope to be able to do. This is one of many reasons that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are unionizing.”

IAM Healthcare represents healthcare professionals across the U.S. and Canada, including clinicians, technicians, and caregivers. IAM Healthcare members stand together for quality patient care, essential staffing levels, safe working conditions, and the development and advancement of our professional practice.

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2023 – An alliance of influential online communities with a combined social media following of more than 300,000 individuals is teaming up to support the launch of  a new worker empowerment project called The Pharmacy Guild. The effort aims to unite pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to address unsafe staffing levels and dangerously high workloads throughout the industry.

The influential social media accounts, The Accidental Pharmacist, #PizzaIsNotWorking, and RxComedy, are collaborating with IAM Healthcare, a union of healthcare professionals affiliated with the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Today they took the effort public with the launch of PharmacyGuild.org.

“Now is the time to regain control of our profession in the name of patient safety,” said Dr. Shane Jerominski, PharmD, who runs The Accidental Pharmacist account on Facebook. “Unless we unionize, pharmacists and technicians will continue to be exploited for profits while mega-corporations underinvest in the needs of our patients.”

The launching of The Pharmacy Guild comes as pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have staged unprecedented walkouts across the country to protest rampant corporate greed and consolidation, as well as increased workload and job responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is more than a union organizing effort,” states the Pharmacy Guild’s founding statement. “It is a call to take this powerful social movement of pharmacy professionals to the next level by developing the organizational infrastructure and institutional influence necessary to make real change.”

The Pharmacy Guild aims to organize for:

1. Staffing and workload standards to ensure safe patient care;
2. Representation and collective bargaining for pharmacy professionals in workplaces across the country;
3. Legislative and regulatory action to protect patients and to advance standards of professional practice.

“For years, pharmacists and technicians have been speaking out about unsafe working conditions to upper management, only to have those concerns fall on deaf ears” said Dr. Maurice Shaw, PharmD, of the RxComedy social media account. “Now is the time for the profession to make our voices heard.”

“With the multifaceted problems of corporate pharmacy, we have to explore all avenues to improve conditions for the profession,” said Dr. Bled Tanoe, PharmD, creator of the #PizzaIsNotWorking hashtag. “That means giving support to pharmacists, technicians, and pharmacy interns who are organizing for their rights in chain retail stores, where conditions are the most challenging. By taking this step, we are giving our profession a fighting chance.”

IAM Healthcare represents healthcare professionals across the U.S. and Canada, including clinicians, technicians, and caregivers. IAM Healthcare members stand together for quality patient care, essential staffing levels, safe working conditions, and the development and advancement of our professional practice.

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PUYALLUP, WA, Oct. 13, 2023 – In a resounding display of unity, healthcare professionals at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital (commonly known as Good Sam Professionals) have voted overwhelmingly by a margin of more than 80% to unionize, aligning themselves under the banner of IAM Healthcare in partnership with IAM District 751. The new bargaining unit consists of more than 200 highly educated skilled professionals, including Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Pharmacists, Case Managers, Social Workers, Medical Technologists, Exercise Physiologists, and Dietitians.

“We unionized first and foremost for our patients because they deserve the highest standards of care, including safe staffing levels and retention of skilled professionals,” said Social Worker Saysan Thompson, one of the original union committee members who sought out IAM Healthcare for support. “When we started talking with other disciplines, it became clear to us that we are all experiencing something similar with regards to the challenges we’re facing in healthcare. In launching this campaign, we made a choice to reclaim our voice and uphold our commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards in healthcare.”

This pivotal moment marks a significant step in the journey of these compassionate healthcare workers as they reaffirm their unwavering commitment to patient care and the advancement of their professions.

“I applaud the group’s commitment to unionize, paving the way to enhance their hospital for the benefit of patients and staff,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Together, we will collaborate towards a brighter future where the healthcare needs of our community are met, and the rights and well-being of the dedicated healthcare professionals who serve that community are protected and honored.”

The historic vote sends a powerful message that the Good Sam Professionals are wholeheartedly embracing the opportunity to have a collective voice in the workplace, with a firm determination to enhance the Good Samaritan Hospital experience for both patients and staff.

“I am incredibly proud of the decision made by these exceptional individuals to vote in favor of improving their lives,” said IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden. “I wish to express my gratitude to the organizing committee, IAM Healthcare, including our Organizing, Strategic Resources, Legal, and Communications departments for their invaluable support in ensuring this resounding victory. I call upon MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital to forego any appeals and join us in the process of securing a first contract for these devoted professionals.”

The path to this remarkable victory was not without its obstacles. Despite facing pressure, misinformation, and alleged legal violations of their rights by MultiCare’s corporate executives, the Good Sam Professionals remained steadfast in their resolve to improve their working conditions. 

“This was a resounding victory for solidarity and progress for the Good Sam Professionals,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “The IAM stands as a strong force to champion the rights of our healthcare heroes dedicated to delivering the highest quality care. Congratulations to our new members of IAM Healthcare and IAM District 751. It is time to secure a first contract filled with compassion, strength, and a brighter future for all.” 

IAM Healthcare remains confident in our legal position and is fully committed to protecting the rights of this dedicated group as they proceed with the bargaining process.

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2023 – IAM Healthcare, the voice of more than 10,000 health professionals within the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), applauded the Biden–Harris administration’s recent announcement of a new proposed rule to establish minimum staffing levels in nursing homes. In announcing their support, IAM Healthcare leaders urged that the proposal continue to be strengthened as it moves through the rulemaking process.

The proposed rule would require nursing homes to provide a minimum of 0.55 hours of care from a Registered Nurse (RN) per resident per day, as well as 2.45 hours of care from a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) per resident per day. It would also require nursing homes to have at least one RN on duty at all times. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the proposed rule is expected to increase staffing in 75% of the nation’s nursing homes. Currently there is no national minimum staffing requirement for nursing homes.

“This is a long-overdue step to improve the quality of care for our nation’s most vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities,” said IAM Healthcare Director Shane Brinton. “Too many nursing home residents suffer because corporations refuse to invest in safe staffing. This proposed rule has real potential to improve resident safety and quality of care.  Now we need to make sure the final rule is strong enough to protect residents and that it’s actually implemented. We will be working with the administration and our legislative team to ensure that this happens.”

IAM Healthcare members work at skilled nursing facilities throughout the U.S., including Beechtree Center Rehabilitation & Nursing in New York, Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Maryland, Bayside Village Nursing Home in Michigan, Marshfield Care Center in Wisconsin, Good Samaritan Society and Pennington Health Services in Minnesota, Cascadia Health based in Idaho, and Evergreen Washington Healthcare in Washington state. IAM Healthcare membership is also growing rapidly in Canada, where the IAM represents thousands of long-term care professionals in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and home care programs.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries. 

goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2023 – IAM Healthcare, a part of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), applauds the termination of the proposed merger between Sanford Health and Fairview Health Services.

“We are pleased that this merger has been terminated,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “This merger would have harmed patients, workers, and the communities we serve. I want to personally thank Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison for leading a robust public process, including a thorough examination of the facts to ensure patients, workers, and the community are protected.” 

The Minneapolis-based Fairview Health has 35,000 employees, over 5,000 medical providers, and nearly a dozen hospital campuses. Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford has 46 medical centers, more than 220 clinic locations, and 44,000 employees. The proposed merger would have created a massive healthcare system.

The IAM Healthcare Department, along with other community and labor advocates, argued that the merger would have led to job losses, higher healthcare costs, and decreased access to care.

WATCH: MN attorney general asks to delay merger between Sanford, Fairview health systems KARE-TV (Minneapolis) 

“IAM Healthcare members spoke out against this merger because their patients and professions were at risk,” said IAM Healthcare Director Shane Brinton. “Whenever healthcare executives put the corporate bottom line before patient care, our members will be there standing up for the communities they serve.” 

READ: IAM Healthcare Union Joins Effort to Stop Sanford-Fairview Healthcare System Merger Plan

IAM Healthcare is a movement of more than 10,000 healthcare workers represented by the IAM Union, including nurses, personal care attendants, medication aides, sterilization technicians, dietary and maintenance workers in Sanford facilities.   

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries. 

goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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Last week, IAM Healthcare, along with the AFL-CIO and a coalition of labor and community allies, hosted a virtual rally for safe staffing standards to encourage the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish strong staffing standards for nursing homes in the United States.

Missy Zirups, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and member of IAM Local W33 (District 5) in International Falls, MN, spoke out about her first-hand experience in nursing homes. Zirups, who also serves as an IAM Union Steward, highlighted the necessity of establishing staffing levels for safe resident care.

“When you’re short-staffed, it’s really tough,” said Zirups. “Increased staffing would help immensely and balance out the workload.”

TAKE ACTION: Sign the petition for safe staffing standards and share your comments of support.

For far too long, corporate-run nursing homes have failed to consistently provide adequate care to their residents as a result of insufficient staffing. Studies have revealed a noteworthy link between greater staffing levels and the delivery of superior care.

In March of this year, IAM Healthcare and other healthcare unions sent a letter to CMS calling for standards addressing the healthcare staffing crisis to protect millions of nursing home residents and improve the lives of nursing home workers. Now IAM Healthcare members have released a petition to make sure their voices are heard in the CMS rulemaking process.

TAKE ACTION: Add your voice to support IAM Healthcare members demanding strong staffing standards.

IAM Healthcare is a movement of more than 10,000 health care workers represented by the IAM Union, including thousands of long-term care professionals in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and home care programs.

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