The school bell rang, and children spilled onto the sidewalk, oblivious to the approaching vehicle. A split second later, the scene dissolved into chaos as a Waymo robotaxi collided with a child near a Santa Monica school. Now, one of California’s largest unions is demanding action: shut down Waymo’s driverless cab service across the state.
Teamsters California officially urged the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) this week to suspend Waymo’s license indefinitely. The core argument centers on safety and labor issues connected to autonomous vehicles—a collision represents only the tip of a much larger iceberg.
“This incident is emblematic of the broader goal Big Tech companies have to replace skilled human labor with AI,” stated Teamsters Co-Chairs Peter Finn and Victor Mineros. “They want to force millions of people into destitution by destroying their livelihoods, seize money that belongs to workers, and force our communities to reckon with the fallout of automation’s shortcomings. Robotaxis threaten workers’ jobs and are now terrorizing our kids.”
The union’s demand comes just days after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched its own investigation into the Santa Monica event.
The incident occurred on January 23rd during the morning school rush. A child reportedly darted into the street from behind a parked SUV and was struck by the Waymo vehicle. Waymo reports that its system detected the child almost immediately, activating the brakes and reducing speed from approximately 27 km/h to under 10 km/h before impact.
According to Waymo, the child was able to stand and walk to the sidewalk immediately after the collision. The vehicle then contacted emergency services and remained at the scene until cleared by law enforcement.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation will examine whether Waymo “exercised appropriate caution given, among other things, its proximity to the elementary school during drop off hours, and the presence of young pedestrians and other potential vulnerable road users.” The investigation will also evaluate the performance of the robotaxi’s automated driving system in school zones.
Interestingly, this isn’t the only NHTSA investigation involving Waymo and schools. Last month, Waymo received a letter from NHTSA initiating a separate investigation into reports of Waymo vehicles failing to stop for school buses with flashing lights—instead maneuvering around them.
Waymo has yet to issue an official statement to Gizmodo. However, in a blog post addressing the accident, the company stated, “We remain committed to improving road safety where we operate as we continue on our mission to be the world’s most trusted driver.”
Teamsters California represents roughly 250,000 workers across various sectors, including construction, warehousing, trucking, and transportation. The union cites the ongoing school bus investigation as further evidence that regulators need to take a more assertive stance.
“Waymo vehicles have continued to illegally ignore school bus stop signs despite a company-wide software recall and another, separate NHTSA investigation,” the Teamsters declared. “Parents, teachers, school workers, and community members have been demanding that these vehicles be kept away from school zones. Waymo and its parent company, Google, choose to ignore those warnings.”
CPUC has not yet responded to requests for comment from Gizmodo.
California isn’t the only place where robotaxi services are facing labor opposition. Last year, a coalition of unions, including Teamsters Local 25, supported a proposed ordinance to study the potential impact of autonomous vehicles on Boston and use those findings to create regulations for autonomous vehicle operators. The union has also supported legislation requiring human operators in all robotaxis.
Safety Concerns Mount Over Waymo’s Autonomous Vehicle Operations
Think about the responsibility any human driver assumes when they get behind the wheel; now, consider that this is the tightrope Waymo walks every day. The recent incident involving the child in Santa Monica has intensified existing safety concerns about Waymo’s autonomous vehicle operations. Is the technology truly ready for unrestricted deployment, especially in environments with vulnerable road users?
The heart of the issue is that complex algorithms can never fully replicate human intuition and split-second decision-making. While Waymo touts its safety record and advanced sensor technology, critics argue that the system is still prone to errors—errors that can have life-altering consequences.
How Safe Are Waymo’s Autonomous Vehicles in Practice?
Safety data released by Waymo and independent organizations offer conflicting interpretations. Waymo emphasizes the millions of miles its vehicles have driven with a relatively low accident rate compared to human drivers. However, these statistics often fail to account for the types of accidents and the specific circumstances involved. Close calls and near-misses might not be included in official data, painting an incomplete picture of the actual risks.
The Teamsters’ Broader Fight Against Automation
I’ve spoken with union members who fear Waymo’s expansion represents a direct threat to jobs in the transportation industry. This isn’t just about a single accident; it’s about the potential displacement of thousands of professional drivers. The union’s opposition to Waymo reflects a wider battle against the increasing encroachment of automation into traditionally human-dominated sectors.
The Teamsters argue that automation not only eliminates jobs but also devalues the skills and experience of human workers. They contend that entrusting critical tasks like driving to machines can lead to a degradation of service quality and a loss of accountability. For them, the human element provides a safeguard against unforeseen circumstances and ensures a higher level of safety and reliability.
What Are the Potential Job Losses Due to Robotaxis?
Estimates vary widely, but studies suggest that the widespread adoption of robotaxis could displace millions of professional drivers, including taxi drivers, truck drivers, and delivery personnel. The economic consequences of such job losses could be devastating, particularly for workers who lack the skills or resources to transition to other industries. The impact would ripple through communities, affecting local economies and social structures.
Regulatory Scrutiny and the Future of Robotaxis
As someone who has followed this technology, I can tell you that the CPUC faces a difficult decision. Balancing innovation with public safety is a delicate task. The Waymo case raises fundamental questions about the appropriate level of regulatory oversight for autonomous vehicles. Should regulations be more stringent before widespread deployment, or should regulators adopt a more hands-off approach to allow for further development and testing?
The ongoing NHTSA investigations and the Teamsters’ demands for a license suspension highlight the increasing pressure on regulators to address the safety and labor concerns surrounding robotaxis. The decisions made in California could set a precedent for other states and countries grappling with similar issues. The road ahead is a minefield.
What Regulations Are Needed for Autonomous Vehicles Like Waymo?
Effective regulations should address several key areas, including safety standards, data privacy, cybersecurity, and liability. Regulators need to establish clear performance metrics for autonomous vehicles, require rigorous testing and certification processes, and create mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and oversight. They also need to address the ethical considerations associated with autonomous decision-making, particularly in situations involving potential harm to human beings.
The argument boils down to this: at what point does the promise of technological advancement outweigh the potential risks to human lives and livelihoods?