Teamsters Urge Texas Lawmakers to Mandate Human Operators in AVs

The Call for Stricter Rules on Autonomous Trucks Gains Momentum in Texas

The advent of autonomous trucks on Texas roads has sparked significant debate, with labor organizations urging legislators to impose stricter regulations. The Teamsters are at the forefront, advocating for the inclusion of trained human operators in all autonomous vehicles (AVs).

(AUSTIN, Texas) – Following a recent decision by the Texas House Committee on Transportation, the Teamsters are pressing lawmakers to advance House Bill 4402 (HB 4402). This bill aims to ensure the presence of human operators in driverless vehicles, addressing potential safety concerns as tech companies like Aurora initiate operations with fully driverless trucks.

Aurora's recent announcement to remove safety drivers from their trucks has intensified calls for regulatory action. Brent Taylor, President of Teamsters Joint Council 80, emphasizes the necessity of human intervention: “Requiring a human operator in a driverless truck isn’t unreasonable — it’s common sense.” Highlighting the impact on local jobs, Taylor adds, “We can’t let out-of-state billionaires steal their jobs with reckless automation. We must protect their livelihoods by passing this critical bill into law.”

At the same time, the Teamsters are challenging Senate Bill 39, which proposes to limit liability for AV companies in cases of accidents. Robert Mele, President of Teamsters Joint Council 58, warns about the limitations of driverless technology: “The driverless trucks on the road right now cannot drive in most inclement weather and will never match having a human behind the wheel.” He underscores the urgency for legislative action to prevent potential hazards.

Established in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters serves 1.3 million members across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit Teamster.org. Stay updated with their activities on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.