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Taxi drivers at Brussels airport went on strike for three hours on Friday. They are protesting against a new compulsory language test from the Flemish government, which they say is too difficult. “How many Dutch speakers do you think we transport each year?”
Jorn Lelong30. December 2023, 03:00
The throngs of (returning) tourists and business travelers arriving at Brussels Airport on Friday afternoon found the airport exit deserted. Of the dozens of taxi drivers who normally stand in orderly queues to take weary travelers to their destinations, many stopped work for several hours in protest against the mandatory Dutch language test introduced by the Flemish government.
“There is no problem for me,” laughs taxi driver Khalid (28) behind the wheel a few hours before the strike begins. “I am bilingual. But I sympathize with my French-speaking colleagues who would lose their jobs because of this new law. None of the drivers here understand that.”
Not feasible
If the Flemish Region’s plans are implemented, taxi drivers will have to take an oral and written Dutch exam at B1 level from July 1st. Brussels Airport is in Flanders, so the government believes that drivers should be able to communicate in Dutch. “We agree with that,” says Pierre Steenberghen, general secretary of the National Grouping of Taxi Companies. “But B1 is the level expected of Flemish officials. That’s not feasible for most drivers, who come from very different backgrounds.”
In the morning, the planned strike is the main topic of conversation among taxi drivers. Everywhere, some drivers come together to share their frustrations and exchange ideas. And then the cynical jokes are never far away. “I understand why these tests are necessary,” says Abdel (30). “My direction indicators only work when I speak Dutch in the car.” Then he frowns. “The government obviously doesn’t know what kind of customers we have. Ninety percent of our customers speak English. A small proportion speaks French. How many Dutch speakers do you think we transport each year?”
“I already had four,” says Daniël (39). “The Flemish people simply don’t take taxis.”
“Voila,” Abdel nods. “And if necessary, we will make our plan. Everyone knows how to express themselves. “Hello, where?” “Cash or card, sir?” ‘Thank you!’ We don’t need much more, do we? (blows) Or maybe we should play psychologists too?”
According to Steenberghen, the solution is not far away. “A2 as a required language level would be much more realistic. That is also the standard that the countries around us set.” He also suggests foregoing the written exam.
Christmas holidays
“Otherwise hundreds of colleagues will lose their jobs,” says Steenberghen. “The reality is that Uber drivers will probably come and fill their seats. They fall under Brussels legislation and do not need to achieve a B1 level in Dutch.”
The taxi association brought these concerns to the cabinet of Flemish Mobility Minister Lydia Peeters (Open Vld). “We have reviewed their suggestions,” said spokesman Aidan Reinquin. “We will discuss this in the Flemish government after the Christmas holidays. But safety and friendliness towards customers remains crucial to us and this requires language skills.”
Abdel has no desire to take hours of language lessons in the coming months. Starting next week he will try to be a self-employed plumber. The business card has been printed. He is particularly concerned about the consequences for older colleagues. Like Albert, who has been driving a taxi for forty years. “I haven’t been at school long, so I can’t write well,” he says. “If there are written exams, I won’t pass in any language.”
He wonders where the taxi companies find new candidates to replace people like him. “As a driver, you work ten hours to get paid for eight hours. They start at four in the morning and work on holidays and weekends. Believe me, if you have Dutch at B1 level, you will do a different job.”
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