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Massachusetts Teamsters Push for Human Operators in All Motor Vehicles

On June 24, 2025, the Massachusetts Teamsters and a coalition of unions gathered at Beacon Hill to advocate for stringent regulations over autonomous vehicle (AV) operators, as major tech firms like Waymo seek to expand their reach in the state. The event included a rally outside the state house alongside a hearing at the Massachusetts General Court's Joint Committee on Transportation, where union members passionately voiced their concerns.

The Teamsters are pushing for the passage of S.2393/H.3669, legislation that mandates human operators in all driverless vehicles. Concurrently, they are urging lawmakers to reject S.2379/H.3634, a bill endorsed by Waymo, which the union believes threatens the livelihoods of many workers. According to Tom Mari, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Joint Council 10 and President of Teamsters Local 25, "The only reason Waymo and other AV companies invest in this technology is so they can get rich by destroying the livelihoods of millions of workers."

Mari's remarks reflect a growing tension between labor groups and the tech industry, as more companies venture into the autonomous driving space. "Our elected officials have a responsibility to support the middle class. They can do that by killing the Big Tech bill and requiring human operators in driverless cars and trucks," he emphasized, highlighting the responsibility of lawmakers to prioritize worker welfare.

The controversy surrounding Waymo comes at a time when the company is facing federal investigations and scrutiny due to multiple safety recalls and hundreds of accidents reported across the country. The Teamsters argue that allowing such companies to operate without human oversight is reckless and puts public safety at risk.

Steve South, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 25, declared during the rally, "Massachusetts is not a playground for Silicon Valley. After today, I want to see Waymo turn around, drive right out of this state, and never come back," illustrating the union's steadfast stance against what they perceive as corporate overreach.

The Teamsters' movement isn't isolated to Massachusetts; similar legislative efforts are springing up in other states like Oregon and Texas, while California has already passed a bill this session mandating human operators in commercial vehicles. This trend reveals a growing national conversation about the role of technology in transportation and its implications for the workforce.

Representing over 50,000 union members throughout New England, Teamsters Joint Council 10 is taking a series of actions to protect jobs and advocate for safer public policy. The union's efforts underscore the ongoing struggle to balance technological advancements with the preservation of workers' rights and safety. For more information about the Teamsters' initiatives, visit teamstersjointcouncil10.com.

As the legislative battle unfolds, the emphasis remains on ensuring that the transition towards autonomous vehicles does not come at the cost of employment and public safety. The Teamsters' message is clear: human operators in vehicles are not just a preference; they are a necessity for the future of work and safety on the roads.