Washington, DC – Larry Willis, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), issues this statement on AV 4.0, updated automation policy released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation:
“The responsible deployment of automated technology on our streets must be accompanied by a serious and thoughtful regulatory framework that hold tech companies accountable. Sadly, AV 4.0 shows more concern for those who stand to profit from new technology than the safety of the traveling public or the millions of workers whose jobs will be significantly impacted by automation.
“The fact that the administration once again chose to disregard legitimate concerns raised by transportation labor is beyond disappointing. An overreliance on ‘voluntary consensus standards,’ limited ‘safety assessments’ that are not approved by regulators, and a ‘literature review’ of workforce needs are not the hallmarks of a responsible AV policy.
“We again call on this administration to treat automated vehicle technology with the seriousness it warrants. America’s road users and the millions of men and women who make a living on the frontlines of our transportation system deserve nothing less.”