In the battle for data centers, tech giants got a blue-collar ally: Pa. unions

The Keystone Newsroom reports on the growing alliance between building trades unions and major technology companies in the accelerating data center construction boom across the United States. Unions, traditionally seen as the voice of the American worker, are now employing their members on numerous massive data center projects and rapidly expanding apprenticeship programs to meet demand. This partnership often sees unions aligning with tech giants and supportive government officials to advocate for data center development, framing it as crucial for American AI superiority and national security. Union representatives actively engage in public discourse, countering community complaints regarding energy and water consumption, rising utility costs, and noise concerns. Rob Bair, president of the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council, emphasizes the significant construction jobs created, urging communities to negotiate for local benefits rather than outright rejecting projects. This proactive stance contrasts with the more reserved approach of many tech executives. The article highlights instances of union activity across the country, including substantial work hours for members in Columbus-Central Ohio and metropolitan Washington, D.C. Sean McGarvey, president of North America’s Building Trades Unions, notes record membership growth attributed to data centers and infrastructure legislation. Tech companies like Google are investing millions in union training programs, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the critical role of union workers in building the AI economy. Notable examples of union involvement include supporting Amazon's $20 billion data center projects in eastern Pennsylvania, working against a proposed statewide moratorium in Maine, opposing strict energy standards in Illinois, and resisting the end of Virginia's sales tax exemption for data centers. Pennsylvania State Senator Katie Muth expressed challenges in passing stronger data center regulations due to union opposition. Unions have also been present at local council meetings, advocating for projects, such as an Amazon data center in Hobart, Indiana.