The discourse on automation and artificial intelligence (AI) highlights the critical yet underexplored role of data work. While previous studies have focused on data work in the production of AI systems, this article investigates its significance in subsequent implementation phases. Drawing on two in-depth case studies from traditional industries in Germany – one in manufacturing and one in administration – we explore the labor and power dynamics inherent in these processes. Our findings reveal that AI implementation necessitates additional data work which cannot be outsourced due to its reliance on organization-specific knowledge. This dependency fosters new labor relations and power dynamics among development companies, organizational management, and workers, often leading to tensions and negotiation challenges. We introduce the concept of data work facilitation to describe the unique labor emerging from these dependencies and identify potentials for a new power resource workers could employ – data work bargaining power.