A new proposal that could bring driverless rideshare vehicles to the streets of the nation’s capital is causing an uproar among union workers, drivers and religious leaders who fear the technology could eliminate jobs.Protesters gathered outside the John Wilson Building as D.C.council members met to discuss legislation that would allow Waymo and other autonomous vehicle operators to offer commercial rides in Washington, D.C.
The protesters urged the council to reject the legislation, arguing that an influx of robotaxis would displace rideshare drivers."We came out here today strongly because we feel that these robotaxis will put people out of work," one protester told Fox News Digital."And people need jobs."TERRIFIED PASSENGERS FILM WAYMO AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE DRIVING INTO LIVE FIREWORKS IN SAN FRANCISCOIn an aerial view, Waymo robotaxis sit parked at a Waymo facility on Dec.
8, 2025 in San Francisco, California.(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)"I'm against robotaxis because it takes away from the community, it takes away from their jobs, it takes away food from their table," Frederick from Virginia said.He continued, "People need jobs to be able to support their family.""It's bulls - - -," Sabrina from Washington, D.C., said.
"Let's not bring robots taking my neighbor's jobs.My folks that drive for a living, let's just not take their jobs."Another person at the protest acknowledged that autonomous vehicles could eliminate some driving jobs but argued the city should "take the offensive" by shortening the workweek without cutting pay and expanding employment elsewhere."We should take the offensive on job issues," Michael from Washington, D.C., said.
"We should shorten the workweek, without a loss in pay.So we'll create more jobs in public transportation, in hospitals, in service industries.
So we actually maybe will lose some jobs to taxi drivers, but we'll create better paying jobs."The Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Authorization Amendment Act of 2026 — introduc...