AI Data Center Unions Team Up with Big Tech

US construction unions are treating AI data center construction as a growth driver, expanding the scope of their cooperation with Big Tech.

• 40% of union work hours in the Columbus area and over 50% at IBEW Local 26 in Washington DC are data center-related jobs.
• United Association said union members participate in over 90% of US data center projects.
• North America's Building Trades Unions reported that membership and apprentice numbers hit an all-time high in 2025.

Unions are advocating for data center expansion against local concerns over power, water, and noise, as well as regulatory attempts.

• Google said the majority of its data center construction workforce is unionized, and invested $10 million in union-backed electrician training.
• OpenAI, Oracle, and Amazon are also cooperating with unions on large campuses and projects.
• Unions have opposed Maine's moratorium, Illinois's self-supply power standards, and Virginia's attempt to end tax breaks, emerging as a key variable in data center siting politics.