On June 8, 2026, Meta Platforms announced a landmark $115 million private partnership with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) to launch America’s Workforce Academy — a transformational initiative that will rapidly train and place thousands of skilled workers into data center construction careers. Columbus, Ohio is one of only four national pilot locations including Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Indianapolis Indiana; and Houston Texas.

Make no mistake, unions - and their elected official advocates - support the required use of project labor agreements because they steer taxpayer funded construction projects to union companies by eliminating fair and open competition.

Dayton is considering a policy that would mandate project labor agreements, or PLAs, on certain public works projects. Supporters argue these agreements provide labor stability and quality assurance. But the truth is, government-mandated PLAs are a step backward for fairness, competition and fiscal responsibility.