Illinois Unions Rally Against Driverless Vehicle Bill, Warn of Job Losses and Safety Risks

Teamsters and other labor groups call pending legislation the start of 'a major domino effect against the middle class'.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:57pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic autonomous vehicle chassis, with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the intricate cybernetic components. The vehicle is suspended in a dark, moody environment, symbolizing the tensions between technological advancement and workforce disruption.As autonomous vehicle technology advances, the debate over its impact on middle-class jobs and public safety intensifies in Illinois.Chicago Today

A coalition of Illinois unions, including the Teamsters, Illinois AFL-CIO, and Chicago Federation of Labor, have converged on the state capitol to lobby against legislation that would create pilot programs for driverless vehicles in Chicago and other parts of the state. The unions raised concerns about the bill, saying they fear it could jeopardize public safety and the jobs of hundreds of thousands of their members with problematic technology.

Why it matters

The debate over driverless vehicle legislation in Illinois highlights the growing tensions between technological innovation and the potential impact on middle-class jobs, especially in the transportation and logistics sectors. Unions are pushing back against what they see as a threat to their livelihoods, while proponents of autonomous vehicles argue the technology can improve safety and efficiency.

The details

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Kam Buckner and Republican state Rep. Jeff Keicher, would authorize autonomous vehicle pilot programs in several Illinois counties, including Cook, before potentially opening the door to statewide legalization of self-driving cars three years later. Waymo, the self-driving car company, has been pushing to expand into Illinois and has voiced support for the bill.

  • The legislation remains stuck in the House Rules Committee, with no clear timeline for advancement.
  • Waymo has been testing its vehicles in Chicago, with human assistance, as it works to validate the technology's performance in harsher weather conditions.

The players

Kam Buckner

Democratic state representative who co-sponsored the driverless vehicle legislation.

Jeff Keicher

Republican state representative who co-sponsored the driverless vehicle legislation.

Waymo

The self-driving car company that has been pushing to expand into Illinois and has voiced support for the proposed legislation.

Keith Hill

President of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 241, which represents Chicago Transit Authority and Pace employees.

Rashonda Hudson

Representative for Chicago paratransit drivers for Teamsters Local 727.

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What they’re saying

“Putting an autonomous vehicle in any form takes away a job. You keep eliminating jobs, who's going to buy your goods? We're not going to have the money. So, as they get greedier, we step backwards.”

— Keith Hill, President, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 241

“In Illinois, transportation is just not about getting from Point A to Point B. It's also about the care, the judgment and the human connection. They (paratransit passengers) need a ride and they need a person to talk to. They need help getting in and out of the vans. They need help, someone to walk them inside to their appointments. They also need someone to say, 'I'm here to pick you up.' A driverless vehicle cannot do that.”

— Rashonda Hudson, Representative for Chicago paratransit drivers, Teamsters Local 727

“This has happened in cities where inclement weather doesn't exist. Can you imagine how much worse it would be in the city of Chicago with (the) winters that we have? Driverless cars and trucks are nowhere close to having the same capabilities as a trained human operator, and they probably never will.”

— Tom Stiede, President, Teamsters Joint Council Local 25

What’s next

The proposed legislation remains in the House Rules Committee, and it's unclear if it will advance through the legislative process anytime soon. Other bills that would regulate these pilot programs also remain in limbo.

The takeaway

The debate over driverless vehicle legislation in Illinois highlights the ongoing tension between technological progress and the potential impact on middle-class jobs. Unions are pushing back against what they see as a threat to their members' livelihoods, while proponents argue the technology can improve safety and efficiency. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the future of transportation and the labor market in Illinois.