Dockworkers in the Port of Los Angeles are fighting use of driverless electric cargo trucks.
The issue drew union members, business owners and activists to a hearing Thursday by the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners, which postponed a construction permit for the system after Mayor Eric Garcetti offered to mediate the dispute.
The Los Angeles Times reports the mayor called for a 28-day delay in a decision on the permit, saying it could have far-reaching impacts.
One terminal in Los Angeles and another in the adjacent Port of Long Beach already use driverless vehicles known as utility tractor rigs.
The uproar comes as a facility operated for Denmark's Moller-Maersk by APM Terminals plans to use self-guided cargo handling equipment. Union members fear the equipment will spread to all terminals.
Main image: The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, with some cargo loading cranes in the upright and idle position, are seen in this view from the San Pedro area of Los Angeles. (Nick Ut/Associated Press)
