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

Unionized construction workers in the U.S. are playing a pivotal role in the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, aligning with tech companies and government officials to advocate for data center projects amid public and political pushback. Organizations like the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers are actively recruiting apprentices and expanding training programs to meet the surging demand, with data centers now accounting for up to 50% of their members’ workload in regions like Washington, D.C. The collaboration extends to addressing community concerns, such as energy shortages and rising utility costs, by negotiating concessions from tech firms like Google and OpenAI. Rob Bair, president of the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council, emphasized that unions act as intermediaries to secure local benefits, such as funding for schools or project modifications, rather than outright opposition. This approach has helped unions counter hostile legislation and public resistance, often bridging divides between traditional Republican pro-business groups and Democratic progressives. The growth in union ranks mirrors the 1950s boom, driven by data centers, power plants, and federal subsidies for semiconductor and electric vehicle manufacturing under President Joe Biden. The North America’s Building Trades Unions reported record membership and apprenticeship numbers in 2025, with apprenticeship classes doubling in size and training centers expanding. For example, Boilermakers Local 154 in southwestern Pennsylvania shifted from recruiting zero apprentices for four years to training over 200, reflecting the demand for skilled labor in power infrastructure linked to data centers. Tech giants are investing tens of millions in training programs, partnering with unions to build multibillion-dollar AI projects. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, highlighted the role of union workers in laying the foundation for the AI economy in a joint statement with North America’s Building Trades Unions. Google confirmed that a majority of its data center construction labor comes from unionized workers, underscoring the industry’s reliance on organized labor to meet its expansion goals. The energy-intensive nature of data centers is also spurring a parallel boom in power plant construction, creating additional opportunities for unions. This dual demand for construction and maintenance of both data centers and power infrastructure is revitalizing unions whose members work on boilers, pipelines, and grid improvements. The alignment between unions, tech companies, and policymakers reflects a broader strategy to position the U.S. as a leader in AI and clean energy technology.