Microsoft Agrees to Pay For Higher Electricity Consumption Due to Data Centers

https://insidermonkey.com/blog/microsoft-corporation-agrees-to-pay-for-higher-electricity-consumption-due-to-data-centers-1679666/

Microsoft announced a "Community-First AI Infrastructure" policy ensuring communities won't bear the full cost of electricity consumption and grid expansion from its data centers, following Trump administration pressure. The company's commitment comes as IEA estimates US datacenter electricity demand could triple by 2035, from 200 to 640 terawatt-hours annually.

IBEW Winter Coat Distribution Event

https://jtv.tv/jackson-public-schools-ibew-winter-coat-distribution-event-1-12-2026-photo-gallery/

jtv.tv

2026 AFL-CIO MLK Conference Kicks Off

https://aflcio.org/2026/1/16/2026-afl-cio-mlk-conference-kicks-baltimore

aflcio.org

What to Know About MLK Day

https://www.nytimes.com/article/mlk-day-birthday-celebration.html

nytimes.com

The Real AI Talent War Is for Plumbers and Electricians

https://www.wired.com/story/why-there-arent-enough-electricians-and-plumbers-to-build-ai-data-centers/

wired.com1

Meet the New IEC Chairman, Joe Calabro (Video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7k-a9usiiY

youtube.com

Optimum Workers Go IBEW

https://midhudsonnews.com/2026/01/15/optimum-workers-in-greenwood-lake-unionize-with-ibew-local-363/

midhudsonnews.com

Local's Sparky Sisters Foster Next Generation of Women (EW)

https://ibew.org/electrical_worker/new-orleans-locals-sparky-sisters/?ref=ew

New Orleans Local 130 establishes the Sparky Sisters Women's Committee to support current women members, recruit the next generation, and address workplace culture issues in the trades through mentorship and leadership opportunities.

Taking It to the Hill (EW)

https://ibew.org/electrical_worker/taking-it-to-the-hill/?ref=ew

IBEW leaders and members attending the Government Affairs Conference conducted 176 meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, advocating for the PRO Act, apprenticeship standards, and revival of canceled infrastructure projects.

AFLCIO : The Working People Weekly List

https://aflcio.org/2026/1/9/let-us-work-working-people-weekly-list

Weekly roundup of labor news covering union organizing victories, contract negotiations, workplace safety issues, and political advocacy efforts across various industries and sectors nationwide.