Unions Press Candidates to Slow Autonomous Big Rigs
SACRAMENTO, California: California’s push toward autonomous trucking is turning into a major political dividing line. For years, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom resisted union-backed efforts to limit automation in trucking. Now, labor leaders are pressing candidates who want to replace him to take a different path.
The pressure is rising as the California Department of Motor Vehicles prepares to finalize rules that could allow testing autonomous big rigs on public roads. A new regulation could arrive as soon as April, with permits potentially issued later this year.
Several Democrats vying for support in a crowded primary have signaled they would slow or rein in autonomous trucking. That stance contrasts with Newsom’s approach and aligns more closely with union demands focused on jobs and safety.
Billionaire Tom Steyer said he would favor requiring human safety drivers in autonomous delivery vehicles, citing employment and safety concerns. Antonio Villaraigosa, the former Los Angeles mayor, said drivers should stay in trucks until the technology proves fully safe.
Lorena Gonzalez, head of the California Federation of Labor Unions, said protecting middle-class driving and delivery jobs is the group’s top priority. She argued a new governor could change the state’s direction with a signature.
Newsom’s Vetoes Set the Stage for a Policy Fight
California is the only state that bans even testing autonomous big rigs on public roads. That restriction has frustrated the tech industry, which says it is losing time and investment to other states.
Newsom has repeatedly blocked legislation aimed at stronger guardrails. He vetoed bills in 2023 and 2024 that would have banned heavy-duty self-driving vehicles or required safety drivers in autonomous vehicles over 10,000 pounds.
In one veto message, Newsom described the legislation as unnecessary, pointing to existing regulation and broader plans to address the future of work. His administration has argued the autonomous trucking sector could create thousands of jobs and spur investment. Officials have also warned that restricting the industry could push those benefits elsewhere.
Newsom spokesperson Anthony Martinez said the DMV’s approach balances public safety with innovation. He said the regulations would establish strict safety standards while opening the door to technologies advancing rapidly in other states and globally.
Labor leaders see it differently. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents tens of thousands of union drivers in California, opposes allowing self-driving big rigs on state highways. Teamsters leaders say voters want protection for middle-class jobs and strong safety rules.
Tia Orr, executive director of SEIU California, said innovation should not come at the cost of worker livelihoods or community safety.
Where Major Candidates Stand and Who Stays Quiet
The campaign for former Rep. Katie Porter, who received an early endorsement from California Teamsters, said she would support legislation backed by the union that would largely prohibit autonomous delivery to homes and businesses.
Other candidates have offered varying levels of support for driver requirements. Former State Controller Betty Yee and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond said they would back legislation requiring safety drivers in some autonomous vehicles.
Meanwhile, at least one leading Democrat has not committed to details. Rep. Eric Swalwell has not taken a public position in the reporting. Neither have the two Republican candidates drawing strong polling in deep-blue California.
Inside the Legislature, Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry has tried for years to require safety drivers or restrict autonomous deliveries. Her latest measure remains in motion, even as tech groups argue it could choke off innovation.
Aguiar-Curry said she remains focused on public safety and job impacts. Martinez declined to take a position on her pending bill while emphasizing California’s focus on innovation and safety.
Industry Says California Risks Losing Jobs and Investment
Autonomous trucking companies say California’s restrictions are already shifting economic activity to other states. Earl Adams Jr., general counsel at PlusAI, said companies are testing in places like Arizona, Nevada and Texas while hoping for an opening in California. He also pointed to the need for a federal framework on autonomous trucks.
Supporters of autonomous trucking often cite a driver shortage and a massive potential market. Some estimates put the market opportunity above $500 billion. At the same time, projections suggest 3.4 million to 4.4 million truck driving jobs could disappear across the U.S. and Europe if deployment accelerates.
Some in the industry argue automation will fill unmet demand, not replace workers at the same pace. Unions counter that job losses could be significant, and that safety risks remain unresolved.
Tech-friendly Democrat Matt Mahan, the mayor of San Jose, has argued against the “butts in seats” approach. He said restricting the technology in California will not stop its growth elsewhere, and that California should shape innovation instead of pushing it out of state.
The conflict is also expanding beyond trucking. Unions are expected to push for more protections for ride-hail drivers as robotaxis spread. Yee said she believed human safety operators should be considered even for autonomous taxis, citing incidents where vehicles froze during disruptions.
As the DMV moves toward new trucking rules and candidates battle for labor support, California’s next governor could determine whether the state accelerates autonomous freight or puts new brakes on driverless trucks.