WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Wednesday challenged autonomous vehicle industry leaders on how self-driving technology will affect Pennsylvania’s workers and whether companies can keep roads safe as the technology expands nationwide.
Appearing before a panel of executives, Fetterman framed his remarks around his own background and the livelihoods of thousands of truck drivers he represents.
“Back in 1994, I worked with UPS drivers there and I was proud to work with the Teamsters back then. I also realized how difficult their way of life is but I also think that is something necessary we need to protect. I am not going to bash AV or any of these things nor am I a luddite…I see it is a necessary part of the future moving forward,” Fetterman said in his opening statement.
The senator, who previously worked as a truck driver for UPS, emphasized Pennsylvania’s deep ties to both organized labor and emerging vehicle technology. He noted that the state ranks fifth nationally in the number of truck drivers and that Pittsburgh played a key role in the early development of autonomous vehicles.
“I also want to acknowledge that Pittsburgh played a significant part of the history of developing AV…For me, I am going to be the voice for the 90,000 drivers here and I am going to be the Teamsters voice here…Those union members are very critical in this economy,” he said.
Fetterman pointed to last year’s dispute in which he sided with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters after a self-driving truck company rejected demands that human operators supervise driverless vehicles. He pressed Jeff Farrah, chief executive of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, on how the industry plans to address fears of job losses among Pennsylvania’s 90,000 truckers.
Farrah told the panel that the industry does not view automation as a replacement for workers. “Truck drivers are an indispensable, critical aspect of our supply chain. They are the backbone of the American economy…The goal of the industry here is to coexist with autonomous trucks,” he said.
The hearing also turned to passenger vehicles, as Fetterman questioned Waymo about its plans to expand robotaxi service into Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Directing questions to Waymo Chief Safety Officer Dr. Mauricio Peña, Fetterman asked how autonomous systems account for the varied terrain, street layouts, and driving cultures found across Pennsylvania communities.
“How does your technology account for these kinds of different drivers and the cultures and different communities across my state and the country?” Fetterman asked, citing differences in neighborhood design and local driving norms.
The senator closed with a characteristically local note, urging Waymo’s vehicles to respect Pittsburgh’s long-standing parking customs during winter storms.
“I would strongly encourage Waymo to incorporate that, to respect the parking chair. When you see examples of people that don’t, it doesn’t really end very well for folks,” he said.
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