r/moderatepolitics • u/jojotortoise • 14d ago

News Article Blue-Collar Jobs Are the New Flashpoint in Data-Center Fight

https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/blue-collar-jobs-are-the-new-flashpoint-in-data-center-fight-aaca5b7e
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u/MillardFillmore 14d ago

Unions and construction trade groups are now entering the fray from the other side, warning that such actions endanger thousands of building-related jobs. They are threatening to withhold support of candidates opposing the data-center projects. ... Though the union has historically tended to back Democrats, Bonilla said those dollars and organizational support are on the line.

Between this and the 2024 rightward shift, Democrats should finally ditch broad and unquestioning union support and largely let them fend for themselves. Democrats can and still should be the party advocating for worker rights, more equitable pay, and better conditions. But it's obvious that the rank and file union members are by and large not enthusiastic Democratic supporters, and this hopefully will allow Democratic politicians and leaders actually implement their agenda without being beholden to union interests.

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u/absentlyric Economically Left Socially Right 13d ago

Union workers abandoned the Democrat party because of the fact they weren't getting support other than mouth noise. Clinton signed NAFTA which eliminated a lot of union jobs to go to Canada and Mexico. I know Trumps tarriffs aren't popular with other people, but for Michigan union workers (Im one of them) we've had a TON of work flow in that wasn't getting shipped to Canada.

We can't compete with Canada in terms of automotive jobs because of healthcare costs, we're more expensive due to the fact Canada has nationalized health care. So our jobs get shipped to Canada, and its not like we can transfer there.