Steamfitters Local 449 Business Manager Ken Broadbent was recently featured in a KDKA-TV article about the current influx in data center development across Western PA and the jobs they are bringingin.
Broadbent’s advocacy comes as no surprise due to Local 449’s position as a leader in the local trade labor movement, fighting to secure jobs for Steamfitters and other unions in the region. The addition of data centers will stimulate jobs both during and after construction is completed.
“These AI data centers generate a tremendous amount of energy and require extensive cooling systems. Steamfitters have all the necessary skills to install and maintain the large chillers and cooling mechanisms that keep these facilities running efficiently,” Broadbent said.
The nuances surrounding the impact of data centers must also be considered to ensure that they are not only environmentally conscious but also give back to the people in their communities.
To guarantee this, the Pennsylvania government has drafted bills outlining environmental regulations for data centers. However, the longer it takes legislation to pass, the more likely project developers are to move their ideas to new areas.
Local 449 is thankful to have leadership that fights for workers’ rights and is committed to bringing more work to Western PA and surrounding areas.