Teamsters, Coalition Rally Against Autonomous Vehicles in Boston

Boston Coalition Challenges Autonomous Vehicle Expansion

(BOSTON) – In a significant demonstration outside Boston's city hall, a coalition comprising Teamsters and Labor United Against Waymo urged municipal leaders to establish regulatory measures for robotaxi companies. This collective effort marks a groundbreaking initiative beyond California, aiming to curb the unrestrained growth of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in urban environments.

Tom Mari, President of Teamsters Local 25, expressed concerns over the potential dangers posed by driverless technology. “Driverless cars and trucks pose a serious threat to public safety, our communities, and the livelihoods of the countless dedicated men and women across the Commonwealth who work as professional drivers," he stated. "These machines don’t benefit working people — they only serve the interests of out-of-state Big Tech billionaires, and their opinions shouldn’t outweigh the needs of Massachusetts residents.”

The coalition advocates for a city ordinance that would not only commission an in-depth study on AV impacts but also form an advisory board to translate these findings into actionable regulations for AV operations in Boston. This proposal comes as Waymo seeks legislative approval for operating specific vehicles without human drivers, amid ongoing mapping of city streets.

Abby O’Brien, a paramedic and Local 25 member, highlighted the real-world implications of robotaxis interfering with emergency services. "I regularly transport patients to Boston hospitals, and if robotaxis block us, freeze in place, or don’t know how to yield, they could kill people," she warned. "This isn’t theoretical, it’s what I face every day. Keep trained human operators behind the wheel because life depends on it.”

A recording of the city council hearing can be viewed here.

Teamsters Local 25, representing over 13,000 members in the Greater Boston area and southern New England, continues to champion the rights and safety of professional drivers. More information is available on their website at teamsterslocal25.com.