In mid-February, Gov. Kathy Hochul withdrew her proposal to expand the use of autonomous vehicles beyond New York City, due to public concerns about safety, jobs and other impacts that need to be addressed. But make no mistake, proponents are still pushing to permanently authorize these driverless vehicles statewide, replacing taxi cabs and other livery drivers, or for-hire operators, with so-called “robotaxis,” while disregarding the working people whose jobs hang in the balance.

Tens of thousands of New Yorkers proudly call driving their career, whether behind the wheel of a truck, bus, delivery van, taxi, Uber or other form of transit. These are real people earning real livings, supporting families, contributing to our economy and sharing a common goal: making our roads safer.

Yet their careers are being treated as collateral damage in a race toward automation. Why? Because it’s cheaper.

Unions support technology — but not job elimination

Let me be clear: unions are not opposed to enhanced........

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