Building Trade Unions Now Threatening to Withhold Support for Anti-Data Center Politicians

Building trade unions, including Steamfitters UA Local 602, are formally threatening to withhold electoral support from politicians who oppose data center development, framing the issue as existential for their members' livelihoods. Local 602 covers the Virginia-Maryland-DC "data center alley" corridor and has significant financial exposure to big tech construction contracts. The move comes as bipartisan political opposition to data centers grows due to public concerns over energy use, pollution, and economic impact. Union leadership has been explicit that economic self-interest drives the position, with the local's treasurer stating directly that members are dependent on these jobs. The stance follows a historical pattern of building trade unions prioritizing near-term financial gains over broader progressive coalitions, including past support for the Vietnam War and opposition to trade agreements framed around worker nationalism.