Belgian taxi drivers are raising concerns about widespread labor code violations within the industry, alleging that companies are routinely exceeding legally mandated working hours. A driver, who requested anonymity, contacted news outlets to report consistent 12-hour shifts, exceeding the permitted 11-hour limit including breaks.
According to the driver, the typical function schedule involves six days of work followed by only two days of rest, leaving insufficient time for recovery. “These practices do not promote a healthy life, nor a minimum of time for family,” he stated.
The Walloon code stipulates a maximum of 494 working hours over a 13-week period, a threshold the driver claims is frequently surpassed, with many drivers approaching 750 hours. The legal “time of presence” – the duration a driver is at the employer’s disposal – is capped at 11 hours daily, with a single permitted exception for 12-hour shifts, and on December 24th and 31st.
Violations of these regulations can result in both criminal and administrative penalties. The Belgian Penal Code outlines fines ranging from €50 to €500 for late salary payments, with administrative fines between €25 and €250. These amounts were revalorized in February 2026, potentially increasing the financial burden for non-compliant companies.
Bruno Henri Vincent, a labor law attorney at Litiss, explained the potential consequences for employers. “In such cases, there is a risk of both criminal and civil repercussions. On the criminal side, it constitutes an offense, potentially leading to fines and even imprisonment.”
Vincent further highlighted the civil remedies available to drivers. “The worker can seize legal action against the company for unpaid hours and demand regularization of their contract, including the possibility of terminating the employment agreement.” He added that drivers could leverage these violations as negotiating tools, ensuring accurate timekeeping and appropriate compensation, including overtime pay.
A recent study by Catherine Jadoul, a Psychologist Manager, and Virginie Di Giamberardino, a psychosocial risk prevention advisor at Cohezio, sheds light on the psychological impact of demanding work conditions on professional drivers. The study emphasizes the health risks associated with prolonged driving, exposure to external aggressions, stress related to deadlines and atypical hours, and professional isolation.
The research indicates that these factors can contribute to fatigue, circadian rhythm disruption, social difficulties, and even post-traumatic stress. The authors also stress the importance of positive employer-employee relationships and peer support in mitigating these psychosocial risks.
The National Taxi Collective Agreement (IDCC 2219), signed on September 11, 2001, governs the relationship between taxi companies and their drivers in France. It applies to companies whose primary activity is passenger transport by taxi and their employed drivers. According to Légifrance, if a driver’s daily working time exceeds 5 hours and 30 minutes, they are entitled to a minimum break of 25 minutes.
