#United States #Teamsters #Sacramento #Autonomous Vehicles #AB33

California Assembly Passes Teamsters-Backed Autonomous Vehicle Bill

On June 3, 2025, the California Assembly made a significant move by passing Assembly Bill 33 (AB33), a piece of legislation backed by the Teamsters union. This bill is not merely a regulatory change; it signifies a crucial stance against the potentially job-threatening advancements in autonomous vehicle technology. Supported by Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, AB33 mandates that all autonomous vehicles used for commercial deliveries must have a trained human operator present. This decision comes amidst rising concerns regarding the safety and reliability of autonomous systems following multiple incidents involving high-profile AV startups.

Peter Finn, the President of Teamsters Joint Council 7, emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, "State lawmakers have an obligation to support workers and middle-class jobs, and that's exactly what this legislation does." The Teamsters union views AB33 as essential to curbing the tide of automation that threatens to displace thousands of workers. Finn warns that California stands at the forefront of a struggle against major tech companies that aim to replace human labor with automated systems. Failure to act on AB33 could set a dangerous precedent not just for California, but for workers across the nation.

With recent recalls by prominent AV companies like Waymo and Zoox due to safety concerns, the legislative focus on driverless technology is more critical than ever. Just weeks before passing AB33, Aurora Innovation had to reintroduce trained operators into their driverless trucks after a brief period of operating without them. These events have fueled skepticism regarding the readiness of autonomous vehicles to operate safely in real-world conditions without human oversight.

Chris Griswold, President of Teamsters Joint Council 42, echoed this sentiment, claiming, "We've seen enough of what automated driving actually looks like — it is dangerous, disastrous, and vastly inferior to a highly trained human operator." The push for AB33 aligns with the union’s goal of ensuring that professional drivers are not replaced by mere navigation systems. Griswold warns that without swift legislative action, California risks allowing autonomous technology to take precedence over the skilled labor that has long been the foundation of successful transportation. He fervently urged legislators to prioritize the bill to guard against the risks associated with automated driving.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, currently represents over 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. The union has a long-standing commitment to improving labor conditions, defending workers’ rights, and fostering job stability where technology could disrupt traditional work environments. The passage of AB33 is a notable event in this ongoing effort, solidifying the Teamsters' role as a defender of American jobs against the rapid advancement of automation.

As the bill moves to the state Senate, the Teamsters are calling on legislators to rally behind the new law. The outcome will be closely watched, not just within California but throughout the United States, as it could influence how labor and technology intersect in the future. If approved, AB33 will not only impact the immediate industry but also serve as a model for other states grappling with similar issues surrounding automation and labor rights.

The legislative discussions surrounding AB33 are not just about the immediate future of deliveries and autonomous vehicle operation; they embody a deeper philosophical debate on the nature of work and technology in society. With potential widespread repercussions for millions of workers, the decision by California's Senate will be critical.

For more information on the Teamsters and their stance regarding labor rights in the era of automation, visit Teamster.org.