About Us

Allen Institute United (AIU) is a growing, inclusive community of workers at the Allen Institute who are organizing to form a union. We are scientists, engineers, research associates, project managers, animal care technicians, IT and more—united by a shared commitment to building a workplace that reflects the values of equity, transparency, and collaboration that drive our science.

We are forming our union with the United Auto Workers (UAW), the largest union of academic workers in the country, representing over 100,000 workers across research institutions and higher education. Together, we are working to ensure fair compensation, job stability, meaningful career development, and a more open and accountable workplace culture.

Why We Want to Unionize

We believe that the strength of the Allen Institute lies in the people who power its science. Yet when decisions are made and communicated without clarity, context, or input—it leads to uncertainty, burnout, and frustration. Decisions that directly affect our work and careers can be made without our voices at the table.

By forming a union, we are creating a structure that supports clear communication, mutual accountability, and shared decision-making. A union helps ensure that everyone—regardless of job title or department—has a voice and is empowered to participate in shaping the future of our workplace.

This effort is not about creating conflict; it’s about building trust. We want to foster a culture where collaboration thrives because equity is built in. Unionizing allows us to negotiate collectively and advocate for improvements such as fair pay, better career pathways, and stronger workplace protections, while upholding the mission and values that make the Allen Institute unique. 

We are organizing to strengthen what already makes the Allen Institute special: its commitment to team science, open discovery, and a shared belief that we can change the world—together. 

Unionizing will allow us to:

• Create equity and accountability through transparent, collective decision-making.
• Support inclusive career growth and stable, sustainable employment.
• Foster a culture of trust and communication across all teams and roles.