Flemish Region’s B1 Dutch Exam Deadline Sparks Protest among Airport Taxi Drivers
Brussels: In a bid to challenge the Flemish Region’s directive mandating all taxi drivers at Brussels Airport to pass a B1 level Dutch exam by July 1, 2024, a significant number of taxi drivers are set to stage a 2.5-hour strike this Friday.
The move is expected to disrupt taxi services at the airport, potentially leading to longer queues for passengers.
Recognizable by the distinctive T number plate and a blue-and-yellow symbol, the official airport taxis are a common sight for travellers arriving at Brussels Airport.
However, from 15:00 to 17:30 this Friday, strike action is anticipated to reduce the taxi capacity, urging arriving passengers to consider alternative transportation options.
Nathalie Pierard, a spokesperson for Brussels Airport, advised passengers to opt for public transport amid the strike, anticipating potential inconvenience due to the reduced taxi availability.
The strike comes as a response to the Flemish Region’s insistence on enforcing a B1 Dutch language proficiency exam for all airport taxi drivers.
The B1 level, signifying ‘clear language,’ is considered a middle ground in language proficiency, requiring individuals to express themselves in Dutch without significant difficulty.
The directive has sparked discontent among many taxi drivers, particularly those hailing from French-speaking Brussels, who may not possess the necessary language comprehension skills.
When the Flemish Region first unveiled plans for the mandatory language requirement, concerns were raised by taxi drivers and industry groups.
GTL Taxi, the National Grouping of Companies with Taxi and Location Vehicles with Drivers, argued that the B1 requirement is excessively high, given that the current standard is set at A2.
The group emphasized the need for a more tailored language test for the target group and stressed that if such a requirement were to be implemented, efforts should be made to address the long waiting lists for language tests, ensuring they do not hinder the recruitment of new drivers.
Critics argue that the Flemish Government’s insistence on the B1 Dutch exam could result in job losses for up to 75% of taxi drivers who may not meet the language proficiency standards.
François De Smet, President of DéFI, voiced his support for the taxi drivers, expressing solidarity on social media and asserting that the drivers are justified in their protest against what they perceive as an unreasonable language requirement.
The looming strike raises questions about the potential impact on travellers and Brussels Airport’s taxi industry.
As discussions between the taxi drivers and authorities continue, the situation underscores the delicate balance between language requirements, industry standards, and the economic implications for those working in the taxi sector.
In the coming weeks, stakeholders will likely engage in further negotiations to find a resolution that addresses the concerns of taxi drivers while ensuring the smooth operation of transportation services at one of Belgium’s busiest airports.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
