Taxi Drivers Stage Mass Protests Over Medical Transport Agreement
Chaos gripped major motorways across France this morning as taxi drivers launched a nationwide protest against a new agreement on medical transport. Processions of taxis blocked traffic on the A55, A7, and A50, causing significant disruptions for commuters.
The protest, planned weeks in advance, was sparked by a controversial agreement that binds drivers to the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie). Taxi union leader Claude Roche condemned the agreement live on Maritima Radio, calling it a “death sentence” for the profession.
“With this new agreement, we will lose 40% of our turnover on medical transport. They want to impose pricing on us which is a disaster for our profession and is beyond unacceptable. This measure is the death of the taxi! “
Roche criticized the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM) for its unilateral decision, stating that attempts to negotiate with officials had been dismissed.
“This agreement results from a unilateral decision by the management of the CNAM. Our representatives have been trying to negotiate for months but they don’t want to hear anything. There are 40,000 of us doing medical transport, many rural taxis make a living from this windfall. We are in the process of Uberizing our profession.”
Roche further warned that the changes would not only impact taxi drivers but also patients who rely on their services.
“If we let this happen, they will have different treatment and will be forced to pass through hospital platforms to be taken and brought back. They will be transported by various carriers. It’s going to be an unusual complication for patients, they need to be aware of it“.
He predicted a ripple effect, with manual meter taxis being forced to purchase pre-paid journeys and rely on hospital platforms for bookings.
The day’s protests are set to culminate in a mass gathering in front of the National Assembly in Paris.Taxi drivers from Marseille and Plan de Campagne, along with others from across the country, are expected to converge on Lyon and then the capital, making their voices heard in a final push against the controversial agreement.
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What actions are taxi drivers prepared to take beyond the freeway blockades to ensure their demands are met by the government?
## Taxi Drivers Blockade Freeways in Nationwide Protest
**Interviewer:** Good evening and welcome back. We’re covering the breaking news of nationwide taxi driver protests currently gripping French motorways. Traffic snarls are being reported on major arteries like the A55, A7, and A50, with processions of taxis blocking routes and causing significant disruptions for commuters.
Joining us now to discuss this developing situation is Claude Roche, the leader of a prominent taxi union. Mr. Roche, thank you for being with us. Can you elaborate on the reason behind these protests?
**Claude Roche:** Thank you for having me. As you mentioned, French taxi drivers are overwhelmingly against the new agreement concerning medical transport, which forces us to comply with the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie). This agreement is detrimental to our industry, undermining our livelihoods and our ability to operate independently.
**Interviewer:** Could you shed more light on why this agreement is so contentious for taxi drivers?
**Claude Roche:** This agreement essentially dictates the terms of our service for medical transportation, stripping us of autonomy. It hinders our ability to negotiate fair prices and limits our freedom to choose what type of medical transport services we offer. This isn’t just about financial implications, it’s about our professional dignity and the right to run our businesses.
**Interviewer:** We understand that these protests were planned in advance. Can you tell us about the aim of these demonstrations?
**Claude Roche:** Exactly. We want to send a clear message to the government. This agreement needs to be revoked. We are prepared to continue these protests until our demands are met. We are not just fighting for ourselves, but for the future of the taxi industry in France.
**Interviewer:** Mr. Roche, thank you for sharing your perspective with us. We continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds and will bring you the latest updates as they become available.
**(News Anchor transitioning to the next segment):** The situation remains tense across French motorways this evening. We’ll continue to track these events throughout the night.