Building trades unions align with tech giants on AI data centre construction
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · May 2
Building trades unions align with tech giants on AI data centre construction
12 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · May 2
In Pennsylvania, Ohio and Washington, unions say data centres now account for 40% to 50% of work hours, while some apprentice classes have doubled.
They are defending projects against community and legislative opposition, arguing the boom creates construction jobs and supports a US race with China on AI.
National unions have struck labour deals on major projects, while tech companies fund training and power demand from data centres is also reviving related energy infrastructure work.
Unions are building the AI future, but is this tech partnership a golden opportunity or a risky bet?
As AI's thirst for power grows, are residents being left with the bill for new data centers?
With communities blocking projects, is the great AI build-out facing a grassroots revolt?
Building the AI Future: OpenAI, Microsoft, and NABTU Unite to Train 1,500+ Instructors and Employ 2,500 Tradespeople
Overview
From 2025 to 2026, the AI boom drove major partnerships between technology companies like OpenAI and Microsoft and North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) to meet the urgent need for rapid construction of AI data centers. OpenAI committed $1.5 million to support NABTU's training programs, while Microsoft integrated AI literacy into union apprenticeships, training over 1,500 instructors nationwide. These collaborations enabled NABTU to negotiate large project labor agreements for flagship developments such as the Oracle-OpenAI Stargate campus, employing thousands of skilled workers and fueling record union membership growth. Alongside government policies promoting high labor standards, unions also play a key role in advocating for community benefits and preparing the workforce for future AI-driven economic changes.