The San Francisco tech scene is about to get another dramatic twist as DoorDash battles local labor unions over their newest innovation in food delivery. The tech giant has secured approval to test delivery drones from a warehouse in the Mission District, despite fierce opposition from the Teamsters Union.

In a controversial decision, the San Francisco Board of Appeals has upheld DoorDash’s permit to use a warehouse at 16th and Folsom Streets for drone delivery testing. The 18,400-square-foot site, complete with a large parking lot, will become ground zero for what could be a significant shift in urban delivery methods.

The Teamsters Union argued that the warehouse, located in a “production, distribution and repair” (PDR) district, should be reserved for traditional blue-collar jobs. Tony Delorio, the union’s principal officer, was blunt in his criticism: “This PDR property is meant for blue-collar jobs, but DoorDash is using it to develop technology designed to destroy jobs”.

DoorDash, however, sees its drone testing as part of San Francisco’s innovative spirit. A company spokesperson stated they are “deeply invested in the city’s comeback” and eager to explore autonomous delivery technologies. The company has already launched drone delivery services in markets like Dallas-Fort Worth and Charlotte, signaling their commitment to this emerging technology.

This isn’t DoorDash’s first foray into automated delivery. Back in 2017, they tested delivery robots on Bay Area sidewalks, an experiment that was ultimately rejected by city officials who claimed the devices impeded pedestrian movement.

The current drone testing aims to address previous technological limitations. DoorDash claims their drones can operate at 65 miles per hour and 150 feet above ground, potentially revolutionizing how urban food delivery works.

As tech continues to reshape traditional job markets, this conflict represents a microcosm of larger debates about automation, labor, and innovation. The Mission District, long a symbol of San Francisco’s complex technological and social landscape, now finds itself at the center of another transformative moment.

While the Board of Appeals has sided with DoorDash, the conversation about the future of work and technology is far from over.