Data Centers & Unions Part II: Riley McCauley- Western States Regional Council of Carpenters

In this follow-up episode, we continue the conversation on the evolving relationship between data centers and organized labor, diving deeper into the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Riley McCauley of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters returns to share frontline insights on how unions are adapting to the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure across the country.Part two explores the realities of workforce development, the push for skilled labor in high-demand tech construction, and how unions are positioning themselves to ensure quality jobs in a sector often defined by speed and scale. Riley breaks down what responsible growth looks like, how partnerships between developers and labor groups can succeed, and why the future of data centers depends not just on technology—but on the people building it.Whether you’re in construction, tech, labor advocacy, or just curious about the forces behind the digital economy, this episode offers a grounded look at where things stand—and where they’re headed.Support the show