The Teamsters Union is continuing to push back against the deployment of autonomous trucks, lobbying Nevada lawmakers today to support a bill that would require a trained human safety operator behind the wheel of commercial vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds.
The labor group is asking state senators in the Growth and Infrastructure Committee to vote for Senate Bill 395 (SB 395), which was introduced by State Sen. James Ohrenschall (D – Las Vegas).
“For Big Tech companies to think they can come into any state and replace the jobs of hardworking union members with this dangerous and inferior technology is an insult to professional drivers everywhere,” Peter Finn, President of Teamsters Joint Council 7, said in a release. “SB 395 is critical to protecting the middle class. That is why we are demanding that Nevada lawmakers vote in favor of this legislation.”
According to the Teamsters, proponents claim that self-driving technology is safe, but cities with widespread deployment of driverless vehicles have repeatedly seen gridlock, stalled vehicles, and accidents.
Nationwide, the group says it is fighting in state houses across the country for autonomous vehicle regulation that protects workers. Beyond Nevada, the Teamsters are currently fighting for enhanced AV regulation in California, Delaware, and Texas.
