Unions Join Investors to Shape Data Center Policy; Unions Back Paramount–Warner Bros. Settlement

# What happened A new multimillion-dollar coalition, called the American Infrastructure Alliance, launched to push state and local policies friendly to data center construction. The group combines private equity and AI company backers with major building trades and tech-related unions. In a separate development, multiple entertainment unions agreed to a five-year settlement that clears antitrust objections to Paramount Skydance's planned $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

# Who's involved The coalition lists Blackstone, OpenAI, and SoftBank as backers. Union partners include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers, the International Association of Iron Workers, and the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters.

On the entertainment side, the Teamsters, IATSE, Directors Guild of America, and SAG-AFTRA supported the settlement. The Writers Guild of America reached a separate settlement that includes funds for worker healthcare and a moratorium on certain layoffs.

# What the coalition wants Alliance intends to work with state and local officials in seven states to establish standards and guardrails for data center construction before the 2027 state legislative sessions. The group has a clear political aim: to oppose moratoriums on new data center projects and counter a rising backlash against such construction.

# Why now

# Details of the entertainment settlement

# What labor observers say Some labor scholars view the merger settlement as a temporary solution. Rutgers Professor Susan Schurman is quoted calling the deal a short-term reprieve, warning that reduced industry competition could strengthen the merged company's bargaining position once the five-year protections expire.

# What to watch next

• State legislative sessions in 2027 where the coalition will push model rules and oppose moratoriums.
• Whether other unions join or oppose the coalition's approach to balancing infrastructure growth with community concerns.
• Post-settlement bargaining leverage in the entertainment industry after the five-year terms end.

# Bottom line Two related trends are visible: labor is partnering with finance and tech to shape infrastructure policy now, and unions are accepting negotiated, time-limited protections in large media mergers rather than prolonged litigation. Both moves trade longer-term uncertainty for short- to medium-term gains and influence.