Illinois Teamsters Demand Lawmakers Oppose Driverless Car and Truck Expansion

Polling Shows Workers and Voters Strongly Oppose Autonomous Vehicles

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Following an announcement by Waymo that it will be mapping Chicago streets, Illinois Teamsters are calling on state lawmakers to join them in opposing legislation that would allow driverless car and truck companies to operate in the state. A recent poll found broad opposition to autonomous vehicles (AVs) throughout Illinois, with nearly two-thirds of voters opposing allowing any driverless cars or trucks on the roads and a majority identifying public safety as their top concern.

Why it matters

The Teamsters are concerned that the expansion of autonomous vehicles could harm middle-class jobs and jeopardize motorist safety, as the public has expressed strong opposition to the deployment of these untested and potentially dangerous products. This issue has also gained attention in other states, such as New York, where the governor recently dropped efforts to legalize robotaxis.

The details

The Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project Act (IL SB3392/HB5103) would allow driverless car and truck companies like Waymo to operate in Illinois within the next three years. However, the Teamsters argue that these vehicles are being rushed onto the streets without consideration for worker displacement or public safety. The recent poll found that 78% of Illinois voters oppose allowing driverless heavy trucks to operate in the state, and a majority cited public safety and the risk to human life as their top concerns regarding AVs.

  • Waymo announced it will be mapping Chicago streets.
  • The Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project Act (IL SB3392/HB5103) is currently being considered by Illinois lawmakers.
  • The poll by Impact Research was conducted in January 2026.
  • New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced she was dropping her effort to legalize robotaxis in parts of the state.

The players

Teamsters Joint Council 25

A labor union representing more than 125,000 workers throughout Illinois and northwest Indiana.

Waymo

An American autonomous driving company and a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Thomas W. Stiede

President of Teamsters Joint Council 25.

Kathy Hochul

Governor of New York.

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What they’re saying

“These vehicles are being rushed onto our streets without any consideration for the millions of workers they could displace or safety standards that the public demands and deserves.”

— Thomas W. Stiede, President of Teamsters Joint Council 25 (PRNewswire)

What’s next

The Illinois legislature is currently considering the Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project Act (IL SB3392/HB5103), which would allow driverless car and truck companies to operate in the state. The Teamsters are urging lawmakers to oppose this legislation and protect middle-class jobs and public safety.

The takeaway

The expansion of autonomous vehicles faces strong opposition from workers and the public in Illinois, who are concerned about the potential for job displacement and the safety risks posed by these untested technologies. This issue highlights the ongoing tensions between technological progress and the protection of workers and communities.