Industry and IBEW News

Ray Ryerse, business manager for IBEW Local 86, has been elected president of the Rochester Building Trades Council, succeeding Grant Malone who served for five years. Ryerse, a longtime advocate for registered apprenticeship programs and jobsite safety, will lead the council representing affiliated construction trade unions across the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region.
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.
The entire IBEW Construction Division endorsed Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill for Congress in New Jersey's 11th District. President Joe Egan praised Gill's decades-long record supporting organized labor and fighting for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the dignity of labor for construction workers across New Jersey.