Policy and Politics

Trish Suzuki Blinstrub
Political Director

Political Director's Report

If we’re David & Big Tech is Goliath, we can win with our slingshots & stones

 

‘Tis the season to keep fighting. As you are all aware, Gov. Gavin Newsom showed his true colors with a late Friday night veto of AB 316, our proposed legislation that Autonomous Vehicles weighing more than 10,000 have a human safety operator. Are we angry and disappointed? Of course we are! But that just means we’ll fight even harder to ensure that we keep our streets safe and protect good freight driving jobs.

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The Sacramento Report

Drivers testify about autonomous vehicles
February 1, 2023
Drivers testified to the DMV at a January 27 hearing about their on-the-road concerns about the introduction of Autonomous Trucks without human drivers. Powerful stuff. This is not only about safety on the road for Teamster drivers and the driving public, it’s also about the future of good driving jobs in this country. Thanks to Assembly Member Cecilia Curry-Aguiar and Tom Lackey for introducing AB316; this bill will ensure that all vehicles over 10,000 pounds have a human operator.... Read more »
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Legal Update

Supreme Court to hear case about strike activity
December 23, 2022

On January 10, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Glacier Northwest v. Teamsters Local 174.  The outcome of this case may change whether and when labor unions will engage in strikes or work stoppages. 

The case involves Teamsters Local 174 in Seattle which represents ready-mix cement drivers employed by Glacier Northwest. Local 174 initiated a work stoppage after contract negotiations broke down and the drivers’ contract had expired. 

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