Teamsters Urge Maryland to Pass Bill for Safer Roads and Job Security

New Legislation Proposes Safety Measures and Job Protections in Maryland

The Maryland House of Delegates is facing a call to action from the Teamsters union to adopt House Bill 439 (HB 439). This proposed legislation mandates the presence of a human operator in all vehicles exceeding 10,000 pounds.

Sean Cedenio, President of Teamsters Joint Council 62, emphasized the bill's significance, stating, “HB 439 is about saving good jobs from greedy tech executives who only care about profits.” Cedenio advocates for Maryland officials to align with the Teamsters to champion middle-class job preservation.

Public opinion surveys reveal widespread support for prudent regulations on the autonomous vehicle (AV) industry, reflecting concerns over job security and public safety. The Teamsters are appealing not only to state authorities but are also urging federal lawmakers to enact regulations on autonomous vehicles.

Kendall Walker, a UPS driver and member of Teamsters Local 639, expressed pride in his career, saying, “I am proud to have a career where I can provide for and support myself, my family, and the other people around me. I want the next generation of workers to have the same opportunity to make a living that I’ve had.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents 1.3 million members across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For additional details, visit Teamster.org and connect with them on X @Teamsters or Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.