Tesla has launched a promotional tour of its Cybercab across major Australian cities, with the vehicle currently being displayed in showrooms. The company is following a strategy similar to its previous Cybertruck roadshow, though the timeline for the Cybercab's potential commercial availability in the country remains unconfirmed.
The Transport Workers Union (TWU), representing over 60,000 members, has formed an alliance with Uber to lobby against the introduction of fully autonomous robotaxis. The union reports that 7 out of 10 members oppose driverless vehicles, citing concerns over job displacement and the lack of human safety operators.
Uber is advocating for a hybrid network model that integrates autonomous vehicles with human-driven cars to maintain its market position. The TWU is pushing for regulatory requirements, including mandatory human safety operators, worker retraining programs, and financial compensation for those affected by automation.
Pressure from the union has already impacted autonomous testing in Australia. The logistics firm Transurban, headquartered in Melbourne, suspended its scheduled trials of autonomous commercial trucks following union concerns regarding safety and a lack of workforce consultation.
