Expansion Comes Amid Nationwide Recall
After Driverless Collision, Performance Concerns
SAN
FRANCISCO, June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following
reports that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
approved Waymo's expansion of autonomous vehicles (AVs) throughout
California, the Teamsters Union is
condemning commissioners who recklessly supported the corporate
move while disregarding public safety.
"The CPUC decision to approve the deployment of robotaxis
through California leads our state
down a dangerous and irresponsible path as this technology
continues to fail," said Peter Finn,
Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and President
of Teamsters Joint Council 7. "Even after Waymo recalled nearly 700
driverless cars following a collision in Arizona, the CPUC has decided to maintain its
loyalty to Big Tech over California residents and public safety experts
who continue to express grave concerns about autonomous vehicle
technology."
"Public safety decisions should not be made by regulatory bodies
that cater to executives of billion-dollar tech corporations," said
Chris Griswold, Teamsters International Vice President
At-Large and President of Teamsters Joint Council 42. "The
Teamsters have been advocating for common sense AV regulation to
protect public safety. As state regulators carelessly approve the
expansion of AVs in other parts of California, it becomes even more critical for
state lawmakers and elected officials to start listening to the
public and to workers."
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto
Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information.
Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook
at Facebook.com/teamsters.
Contact:
Matt McQuaid, (202)
624-6877
mmcquaid@teamster.org
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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters