Teamsters and a coalition of unions, along with elected officials, gathered at Government Center in Boston to call for regulation of Waymo and other autonomous vehicle (AV) companies before they are allowed to operate in the city. The coalition urged the passage of an ordinance sponsored by Boston City Councilors Henry Santana and Erin Murphy. This ordinance aims to study the impact AVs will have on the economy, traffic, and public safety. It also proposes creating an advisory board consisting of trade unionists and other stakeholders to assess these findings, which would guide future rules for AV operators in Boston.
Tom Mari, President of Teamsters Local 25, expressed concerns about the intentions of big tech companies introducing driverless cars and trucks. “The Big Tech companies putting driverless cars and trucks on our road like to describe themselves as people who are building some sort of utopia, but nothing could be further from the truth,” he said. He accused Waymo of expanding into cities without regard for workers or residents’ welfare in pursuit of profits.
Waymo is currently mapping streets in Boston while advocating for a bill in the Massachusetts State House that would allow its expansion into the Commonwealth. These efforts continue despite federal investigations into Waymo, multiple safety recalls issued by the company, and its involvement in numerous accidents nationwide.
Arthur Gufling, a member of Local 25 and paratransit driver for East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, emphasized public safety concerns. “This isn’t just about my job; it’s about public safety for everyone,” he stated. Gufling highlighted challenges such as narrow streets and harsh winter conditions that require human instincts and common sense.
A recording of the city council hearing is available online.
Teamsters Local 25 represents over 13,000 members and their families across greater Boston and southern New England. More information can be found at teamsterslocal25.com.
