In the Nevada desert east of Reno, one of the world's largest concentrations of data centers is taking shape.
The pros: it's construction will provide years of work for thousands of electricians, pipefitters and other union tradespeople who are building it.
The cons can be seen 400 miles southeast, along the iconic Las Vegas Strip, as the AI technology powered by such data centers is taking a toll: Self-driving Zoox and Waymos are replacing human-driven taxis and valets; casino floor bartenders are being replaced by robots; and MGM’s massive call center is slashing hundreds of jobs.
The Nevada Teamsters, a politically powerful network of local labor unions representing 30,000 workers across the construction, transportation and hospitality industries, are struggling to reconcile those realities ahead of the midterm elections. While some want to see new data-center construction halted or slowed, others view the boom as a gift.
