The IBEW is calling on all members to mobilize now and urge their members of Congress to oppose any bills that impose bans on data center construction and to instead support strong labor standards for these projects. 

As Congress considers policies related to the rapid expansion of data centers, some proposals would halt construction entirely. Such bans would eliminate critical opportunities for union workers and stunt much-needed economic growth in communities across the country.

When built responsibly, data centers mean high-quality union jobs, significant tax revenue, and long-term economic development. For IBEW members, these projects result in steady work, high wages, and career opportunities in a booming industry. 

Why this matters to the IBEW: 

• Data center bans eliminate good-paying union construction jobs, as well as jobs in sectors like energy and manufacturing related to the AI build out  
• Strong labor standards on data centers will raise wages and improve working conditions  
• When employers invest in union training programs, they create a future union workforce  
• Data center bans mean communities lose critical tax revenue and infrastructure investment   

Congress must reject one-size-fits-all bans and instead ensure that data centers are built and operated responsibly, with strong protections for workers and their communities. 

What does the IBEW want? 

• Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and local hire 
• Registered apprenticeship and training programs to expand the workforce 
• Responsible bidder requirements that prioritize worker-first contractors  
• Data center owners paying their fair share to protect ratepayers and support energy infrastructure    

Tell your members of Congress to oppose data center bans and support stronger labor standards by using the toolkit below: 

• Letter Campaign: Visit https://bit.ly/4skuOvC to send a letter to your members of Congress. Enter your mailing address, click “Start Writing,” and a sample letter will populate, telling them to oppose data center bans and support stronger labor standards. 
• Social Media Post with Graphics: Share this post and one of the graphics on your social media to inform fellow IBEW members about this issue: 
  • “I’m a proud IBEW member and I oppose any bans on data center construction since these bans would eliminate good-paying union jobs. Data centers mean high wages, career opportunities, and economic growth, but only when built with strong labor standards. Stand with the IBEW and tell Congress to reject data center bans and support worker-first policies like PLAs, apprenticeships, and responsible contractors. Write to your members of Congress today. https://bit.ly/4skuOvC” [Insert SM graphic 1, graphic 2, and/or graphic 3]