In the PR battle for AI data centers, tech giants have a blue-collar ally

Building trades unions are aligning with major tech companies to facilitate the construction of artificial intelligence data centers across the United States. These unions, traditionally seen as the voice of American workers, have become a crucial ally for tech giants, advocating for data center development by highlighting job creation and economic benefits, while often echoing national security arguments regarding AI superiority. Union officials like Rob Bair, president of the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council, assert that data centers generate significant construction jobs, urging communities to negotiate for local benefits rather than outright rejecting projects. This collaboration sees unions expanding training centers and apprenticeships to meet the surging demand for skilled labor, with some reporting record membership growth driven by data center projects. For instance, data centers account for a substantial portion of work hours for unions in metropolitan Washington, D.C., and Columbus-Central Ohio. Unions are actively countering community opposition and proposed legislation, such as Maine's recently vetoed statewide data center moratorium, Illinois' proposed energy supply standards, and efforts to end Virginia's data center sales tax exemption. They have also publicly supported projects, including Amazon's $20 billion data center investment in Eastern Pennsylvania, announced by Gov. Josh Shapiro. Despite criticism for partnering with powerful tech companies, union leaders like Mark McManus of the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters argue that data center construction would continue regardless of union involvement, making engagement a strategic necessity for their members.