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Union members and drivers urge caution on Waymo and other AV deployments, cite job and safety risks
Summary
Multiple unionized drivers and gig workers warned the committee that commercial deployment of autonomous taxis (citing Waymo) threatens jobs and may pose safety risks; DFHV said no driverless passenger service is operating in DC and emphasized the need for guardrails and accessibility requirements before deployment.
Union representatives, taxi drivers and delivery workers told the Committee on Public Works and Operations they are worried that large‑scale deployment of autonomous vehicle services would eliminate driving jobs and could create safety hazards.
"If Waymo comes to DC, my job could disappear completely," said Helen Rayner, an Uber and Lyft driver and 32BJ member, citing crashes reported in other cities and expressing concern that corporate investors would be the primary beneficiaries of autonomous deployments.
Sandra Jackson of SEIU Local 32BJ said the technology threatens livelihoods and urged the committee to "prioritize the needs of your constituents, our jobs, our safety over this technology." Yvonne Gordon, a security officer and driver, warned of ripple effects on corner stores, car washes and repair shops that rely on drivers' spending.
Director Rogers acknowledged the workforce concerns and said that to date no company is operating fully driverless commercial passenger service in the District; he described testing with a human in the vehicle and urged a measured approach to deployment that protects service quality and accessibility. Rogers added that some AV prototypes (for example, small, purpose‑built vehicles) could — in theory — be designed to be wheelchair accessible, but manufacturers would need incentives or requirements to prioritize accessibility.
