Brussels, Belgium – A collective of taxi operators in the Brussels-Capital Region has announced a legal action against Uber, accusing the ride-hailing giant of unfair competition and seeking compensation for damages.
The move follows a ruling in February 2024 by Belgian courts, which determined that Uber had been operating illegally in the region from 3 September 2015 to 10 December 2021.
The collective legal action is led by Taxis Bruxelles Unis, an alliance of several major Belgian taxi organizations, including the GTL, BTF, Taxis Bleus, Igoboka-Taxi, Elite Taxi, and the Collectif des Travailleurs du Taxi.
Together, these groups represent a significant portion of the local taxi industry, and their legal challenge aims to hold Uber accountable for its operations in Brussels during the period deemed illegal by the courts.
Cédric Dubucq, a lawyer representing the collective, emphasized that the lawsuit is not only about seeking financial compensation for the harm done to the taxi sector but also about drawing attention to the broader issue of companies that disrupt local economies.
“Beyond seeking compensation for the damages inflicted by Uber, it’s also about highlighting abuses by companies that parasitize the economy,” said Dubucqq.
He criticized Uber’s business practices, stating that the company’s drivers avoid paying taxes or social contributions and do not comply with specific transport regulations.
Under Belgian law, the ride-hailing service was deemed to have violated regulations governing professional drivers and public transport services during the specified period.
The court’s ruling was a significant victory for the traditional taxi sector, which has long argued that companies like Uber undermine fair competition by circumventing regulatory frameworks designed to ensure safety, tax compliance, and fair business practices.
The collective legal action aims to address the financial losses incurred by taxi operators due to Uber’s operations, which have caused significant disruption in the local transport market.
According to Taxis Bruxelles Unis, more than 10% of taxi professionals in the Brussels-Capital Region have already joined the collective action, a sign of widespread support within the sector.
Sam Bouchal, General Secretary of the Brussels Taxi Federation (BFT), expressed the emotional toll the situation has had on local taxi drivers.
“This action allows us, the taxi operators, to reclaim what was stolen from us: money, as well as hours of work and days of life,” Bouchal said, reflecting the frustration felt by many taxi drivers who feel their livelihoods were threatened by Uber’s illegal operations.
The collective action will allow taxi operators to pool resources, share legal costs, and increase their collective impact.
It also highlights the growing tension between the traditional taxi industry and the rise of gig economy platforms like Uber, which have disrupted many sectors globally.
The outcome of this legal challenge will likely have significant implications not just for Uber’s operations in Belgium but for the broader regulatory landscape governing ride-hailing services in Europe.
As the case progresses, it will be watched closely by both the taxi industry and other companies offering similar services, as it may set a precedent for how authorities handle the intersection of new business models and existing regulations.
