UBOT (Belgian Transport Workers Union), which is part of the socialist union FGTB, has expressed satisfaction when hearing that Pascal Smet, Brussels Minister of State for Transport, is to lodge an official complaint against Uber. “Uber is a cat amongst the pigeons,” says Frank Moreels, Federal Secretary of UBOT. The multinational has “enormous funds available” and thinks it is above the law, behaving “in a particularly aggressive way. It is seriously affecting the taxi sector. In view of this, it is both brave and crucial that the minister should speak clearly.” Pascal Smet plans to lodge a formal complaint next week against the methods Uber uses in Brussels, as he alleges they do not completely abide by safety and security rules, nor do they respect fiscal obligations and social protection.
Frank Moreels is adamant he is not against innovation in the taxi sector. “But change should not mean multinationals like Uber can come here and break the law. Taxi regulations are meant to protect clients and drivers alike. Every taxi company must abide by the rules. It is therefore a good thing that the Minister is taking a stance,” he adds.
(Source: Belga)
