Teamsters Respond to CARS Veto in Sacramento, September 2024
- The CARS Package included two significant bills aimed at regulating autonomous vehicles in California.
- The Teamsters highlighted overwhelming public and legislative support for AV regulations, with over 90 percent of state legislators in favor.
- The unions are determined to continue their advocacy for safe streets and good jobs, viewing the veto as part of a larger ongoing struggle.
On September 28, 2024, in Sacramento, California, Teamsters Joint Council 7 and Joint Council 42 issued a joint statement expressing their disappointment over the veto of the CARS Package. This legislative package included Assembly Bill 2286, which mandated human operators for vehicles over 10,000 pounds, and Assembly Bill 3061, aimed at enhancing accident reporting and transparency for autonomous vehicle operators. The Teamsters highlighted that a significant majority of Californians oppose unregulated driverless vehicles, emphasizing the need for a regulatory framework that prioritizes public safety and job security. They noted that over 90 percent of state legislators support regulations for autonomous vehicles, indicating a strong bipartisan consensus on the issue. The unions are committed to continuing their fight for safer streets and good jobs, stating that this veto is just one battle in a larger struggle to protect working people. They plan to explore various avenues, including legislative action, legal challenges, and public advocacy, to ensure that the voices of working Californians are heard and considered in future discussions about autonomous vehicle regulations.