NABTU Supports New Bill Prioritizing Worker Protections in Data Centers

Washington, D.C. – January 16, 2026 – The introduction of a new piece of legislation, the Power for the People Act, has caught the attention of key stakeholders in the construction industry. This bill, S.3682, brought forward by Senator Van Hollen, aims to advance responsible practices in data center development by emphasizing protections for construction workers involved in these large-scale projects.

Legislation Focused on Worker Protections and Community Development

North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) President Sean McGarvey expressed gratitude towards Senator Van Hollen for championing these initiatives. “NABTU thanks Senator Van Hollen for introducing S.3682, Power for the People Act. This bill promotes responsible data center development by prioritizing worker protections for the construction of these mega projects,” McGarvey stated. He praised the legislation’s commitment to setting "clear, common-sense standards" for data center developers to ensure projects are safe, high-quality, and reflective of community needs.

Economic Growth and Workforce Development

The proposed policies aim to bolster local workforce development and the critical deployment of skilled trades. This is seen as vital for regions relying on data center expansion as a catalyst for economic growth and community stability. McGarvey underscored the importance of such standards in managing budgets, ensuring efficient project completion, and providing long-term value. According to McGarvey, these practices have repeatedly proven successful in delivering complex energy and infrastructure projects safely, benefiting all stakeholders from investors to blue-collar workers.

Commitment to Safe and Responsible Development

Highlighting NABTU’s ongoing commitment, McGarvey emphasized, “NABTU will continue working with all data center stakeholders, partners, policymakers, and construction industry allies to safely and responsibly deliver these projects throughout the United States.” The union's collaborative approach aims to ensure that these infrastructure endeavors meet the highest standards of safety and quality.