#United States #Teamsters #Sacramento #Autonomous Vehicles #AB 33

California Teamsters Support Autonomous Vehicle Bill

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has thrown its weight behind California Assembly Bill 33 (AB 33), a significant piece of legislation aimed at regulating the use of autonomous vehicles (AVs). This bill mandates that a trained human operator must be present in any AV utilized for delivering commercial goods directly to residences or businesses. This endorsement comes in the wake of a recently conducted poll indicating substantial public support for regulating AVs and acknowledging the potential threat of automation to jobs.

The Public Opinion

The poll, executed by Tulchin Research, reveals that a striking 79% of California voters are in favor of requiring a trained human safety operator to be inside any self-driving truck or delivery vehicle navigating public roads. Moreover, the research highlighted serious concerns regarding the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation on employment, with 84% of respondents worried about job losses and 86% believing that major technology firms possess excessive power which needs to be curtailed.

Protecting Jobs and Safety

Peter Finn, the Teamsters' Western Region International Vice President, emphasized the urgency of the situation: "Californians are increasingly frustrated with Big Tech's blatant disregard for safety, employment, and community welfare. The threat posed by driverless trucks is real, and drivers statewide are calling on policymakers to act to safeguard middle-class jobs." He praised Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry for spearheading the initiative of AB 33, which seeks to strike a balance between innovative technology and job protection.

Finn noted that the anticipated widespread deployment of AVs in California could potentially jeopardize thousands of well-paying jobs in the transport and delivery sectors, which are crucial for many families across the state. As outlined in AB 33, the bill provides a feasible groundwork for allowing technological advancement while prioritizing the safety of workers and the general public.

Demand for Regulation

The demand for regulatory measures echoes the voices of numerous drivers and workers facing displacement due to automation. Chris Griswold, Teamsters International Vice President At-Large, highlighted, "The growing bipartisan support for AV regulation underscores a vital truth: these vehicles pose a threat to countless California workers. We must ensure that Silicon Valley does not decimate entire workforces in its ever-increasing rush to innovate without regard for human implications."

The Teamsters, representing over 1.3 million members across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, stress the necessity for accountability among tech giants. They aspire for a framework that not only allows for the integration of emerging technologies into society but also safeguards job security and public safety as paramount concerns.

Moving Forward

As California debates the future of AVs, the Teamsters remain adamant about taking proactive approaches to protect the interests of workers and communities. They plan to continue rallying support and pushing for legislation that recognizes the fundamental need for human oversight in technology deployment to ensure benefits for all, not just corporate profits.

In conclusion, as AB 33 progresses through the legislative process, the Teamsters' endorsement signals a pivotal moment in the conversation surrounding automation, safety, and the preservation of jobs in an age increasingly dominated by rapid technological advancement.

For more information about the Teamsters and their initiatives, visit Teamster.org. Stay updated on their social media platforms: follow them on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.