Teamsters Urge Nevada to Pass Bill Ensuring Safe Commercial Driving
Editorial StaffThe Facts -
- SB 395 requires a human safety operator in commercial vehicles.
- Teamsters argue AVs cause gridlock, accidents, and job losses.
- Public distrust of AVs grows due to accidents and recalls.
SB 395 Aims to Safeguard Jobs and Enhance Road Safety in Nevada
Contact: Matt McQuaid Phone: (771) 241-0015 Email: mmcquaid@teamster.org
In Carson City, Nevada, members of the Teamsters union have urged state legislators to support Senate Bill 395, a proposed law that mandates a trained human safety operator to be present in any commercial vehicle exceeding 26,000 pounds. The bill, put forward by State Senator James Ohrenschall, seeks to address concerns over job security and road safety as autonomous vehicles become more prevalent.
Peter Finn, President of Teamsters Joint Council 7, voiced concerns over the perceived threat autonomous vehicles pose to union jobs, stating, “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.”
The legislation has garnered support from union leaders who argue that despite claims from technology companies, autonomous vehicles are not yet safe and have not demonstrated improvements in quality of life. Tommy Blitsch, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 631 in Las Vegas, highlighted the issues seen in cities with driverless vehicles as “gridlock, stalled vehicles, and accidents,” challenging the purported benefits of the technology. A recent poll indicates growing skepticism towards autonomous vehicles, citing incidents like robotaxi accidents and recalls.
Expressing the union’s position, Chris Griswold, President of Teamsters Joint Council 42, emphasized the risks autonomous technology poses to professional drivers. “This technology is dangerous, and it puts the life of every professional driver we represent at risk,” he commented, reinforcing the union’s backing of SB 395.
The Teamsters are not only active in Nevada; they are also advocating for stronger autonomous vehicle regulations in states such as California, Delaware, and Texas. Teamsters Joint Councils 7 and 42, which collectively represent over 30,000 workers in Nevada, continue to push for legislation that protects their members' interests. More information can be found at teamstersjc7.org or teamstersjc42.com.
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