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GMB Union urges safeguards for 300,000 private hire drivers before autonomous vehicle rollout
- Perry Richardson
- 30 minutes ago
- 2 min read
GMB has called for a “just transition” for private hire drivers before autonomous vehicles are deployed, warning that TfL and the Department for Transport have yet to set out protections for the workforce.
In a statement published on its Uber Driver Noticeboard, the union said autonomous vehicle deployment could be imminent and raised concerns about the impact on drivers, their families and communities.
GMB said neither Transport for London nor the Department for Transport had done enough to prepare for the introduction of autonomous vehicles in the private hire sector. It put the number of drivers requiring protection at 300,000.
The union said: “Whatever they are called, and whatever the publicity stunt, GMB is clear about our demands to protect drivers and the private hire industry ahead of any AV deployment.
“With AV deployment potentially imminent neither TfL or the Department for Transport have done anything to ensure a 'just transition' that protects 300,000 drivers, their families and communities during the future introduction of AV's.
“We have seen countless examples from across the world that without any plan and left alone, the 'AV market' will seek to avoid any responsibility for drivers and their livelihoods, and we cannot allow that to happen here.
“AV's should not be introduced until a 'just transition' is agreed with driver members and all deployment and safety concerns have been addressed.”
Its calls come as operators, technology companies and regulators prepare for greater testing and eventual commercial deployment of automated vehicles in the UK. The pace and operating model for such services remain subject to regulation, safety approvals and local licensing arrangements.
GMB argued that previous overseas examples showed the need for intervention before the market develops at scale. It said the autonomous vehicle market, if left without a plan, would seek to avoid responsibility for drivers and their livelihoods.
The union said autonomous vehicles should not be brought into service until a transition agreement had been reached with driver members and concerns around deployment and safety had been addressed.
The statement adds further pressure for workforce considerations to form part of discussions about automation. It also raises questions for regulators over whether licensing, employment support and retraining measures will be needed alongside any future autonomous ride-hailing services.
GMB’s National Uber representatives and national officer signed the notice, which said the union’s demands apply regardless of how automated vehicle services are branded or promoted.
