Building trades, Big Tech join forces to push data centers

The article, from Spotlight PA, details the increasing alignment between building trades unions and major technology companies, such as Amazon, Google, OpenAI, and Oracle, in the booming US data center construction industry. This partnership sees unions providing skilled labor for massive data center projects nationwide, while also acting as advocates for the industry in the face of community opposition and legislative challenges. Union leaders, including Rob Bair of the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council, emphasize the job creation benefits, urging communities to negotiate for local improvements rather than outright rejection. The demand for data center construction is driving unprecedented growth in union membership and apprentice programs across various states, with organizations like the Columbus-Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 26 reporting significant portions of their work tied to data centers. This expansion is also fueling a power plant construction boom, providing new opportunities for unions involved in energy infrastructure. Despite criticism of unions collaborating with wealthy tech giants, leaders like Mark McManus of the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters defend the partnerships, noting that data center construction would continue regardless and union involvement ensures fair labor practices and significant market share. The collaboration extends to political advocacy, where unions have opposed legislative efforts like a statewide data center moratorium in Maine and proposed energy supply standards in Illinois, often aligning with pro-business stances and influencing state-level debates, as exemplified by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's support for Amazon's data center investments in eastern Pennsylvania.