THE chauffeurs of approved taxis are in anger. They are indignant about the future convention which will link them to the National health insurance fund (CNAM), which could lead to a loss of 40% in the turnover of approved taxis. A manifestation will take place this Thursday, November 21 at Beauvais et Senlisbefore a national demonstration in Paris in December.
The fear of losing 40% of their turnover
“France is sacrificing taxis to pay off its debt” is the leitmotif of the upcoming demonstration. Negotiations are underway with the CNAM to establish the agreement which will set the rates for approved taxis. The approved taxi drivers hope to influence its negotiations.
“Usually, the CNAM negotiates prices by 1 or 2%, but here we are talking about a drop in turnover of almost 40% with this 2025 agreement. We would be heading towards the bankruptcy of taxis, this would lead to layoffs,” says Elodie Gruet of the Oise Municipal Taxi Artisan Union (SATC).
“It’s economic violence”
She herself is the manager of a transport company, with three approved taxis. “We didn’t expect it. This is economic violence. We have the impression that it is up to us to pay France's debt. We’re sure they could get the money elsewhere.”
Contracted taxi drivers point out several problematic points in this new agreement:
- insufficient care and support packages, not covering the real costs of services
- empty returns for journeys of less than 100 km, not taken into account financially, jeopardizing the economic balance of short distances, essential for approved taxis
- the disappearance of the promotion of short journeys: journeys of less than 100 km, which represent a significant part of taxi activity, are no longer properly remunerated
- Modification of night fare rules: loss of 50% of the fare increase for night journeys, a measure deemed not to comply with the rules in force
- Disappearance of compensation for the hour of waiting and slow walking, which were nevertheless essential to cover the costs linked to these periods.
“Agreed taxis, an essential link in the healthcare chain”
With these “drastic measures”, the Oise SATC deplores that approved taxis are not seen as “an essential link in the healthcare chain”. “The local issue is important,” insists Elodie Gruet of SATC 60. In our sometimes isolated territories, approved taxis are vital for patients suffering from long-term illnesses. Without us, they would not have access to hospitals. Because, unlike ambulances, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To prepare for the mobilization, approved taxi artisans met this Sunday, November 17 in Nogent-sur-Oise. They received the support of MP Philippe Magnier (RN) and two lawyers (Me Anthony Alexandre and Me Mégane Dedinger). Around a hundred professionals were present at this meeting. All are calling for a profound revision of this convention.
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