Teamsters Protest Waymo in Chicago
Following Waymo's announcement that it will begin mapping Chicago, Illinois Teamsters are calling on lawmakers to oppose the expansion of autonomous vehicles. The union cited polling showing strong opposition from workers and voters over safety and job displacement concerns.
The legislative backdrop for this confrontation is the proposed Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project Act (IL SB3392/HB5103), which would permit companies like Waymo to operate driverless vehicles within three years. State Representative Kam Buckner is a key proponent of the bill, framing it as a "vital step toward safer streets." However, the Teamsters are actively lobbying lawmakers to reject this legislation. Waymo's current Chicago operations, which began around late February 2026, involve approximately 10 vehicles with human drivers manually mapping the city. The initial focus is on areas east of I-90, from the South Loop to Wrigleyville. Mayor Brandon Johnson's office has confirmed it was notified of the mapping but emphasized that fully autonomous vehicles are not yet authorized in the city or state. The core of the Teamsters' opposition, led by Joint Council 25 President Thomas W. Stiede, centers on job displacement and public safety. A January 2026 poll commissioned by the union found that nearly two-thirds of Illinois voters oppose allowing any driverless cars or trucks on state roads, with 78% specifically against driverless heavy trucks. This isn't the first time Chicago has grappled with the issue of autonomous vehicles. In 2016, Aldermen Ed Burke and Anthony Beale introduced an ordinance to ban AVs, citing safety concerns and a desire not to use city streets as an "experiment." That proposal, however, did not pass. Safety concerns are amplified by Chicago's unique environmental challenges, including harsh winters and dense urban traffic. While Waymo has conducted cold-weather testing in Michigan, incidents in other cities, such as robotaxis causing traffic jams during a San Francisco power outage, are being highlighted by opponents as cautionary tales. Waymo defends its safety record, stating its vehicles are involved in significantly fewer crashes with serious injuries compared to those driven by humans. Supporters, like Mothers Against Drunk Driving Illinois, point to the potential of AVs to prevent accidents caused by impaired driving. The union's campaign is not isolated to Illinois. Teamsters in California have called for the suspension of Waymo's license, and protests have occurred in multiple states where the union is pushing for legislation that would mandate a human operator in all autonomous vehicles. For now, Waymo's expansion into a fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Chicago is contingent on the outcome of the legislative battle in Springfield. The city government has stated it looks forward to "constructive dialogue" with all stakeholders, including workers and transit advocates, as the state develops its regulatory framework.
