Hundreds of taxi drivers in Switzerland have been stripped of their licences after strict new German language rules came into force.
The regulation means any cabbie without advanced qualifications and reading and writing skills in German has automatically lost their taxi licence.
Around 1,500 taxi drivers are understood to have been affected by the rule, which has being applied in Zurich Canton.
It was first agreed in 2019 but local licensing officials gave cabbies three years to acquire the required new language skills.
Taxi drivers need to obtain a B1 certificate in German, the third tier of the European Council’s six-level framework for language skills.
But taxi association bosses say they have no sympathy for cabbies who lost their right to drive.
Zurich Taxi Union Chief Georg Botonakis told local media: “The withdrawal of their licences took many of those affected by surprise.
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“But they have no one to blame but themselves. It’s their fault.”
He added: “We made them aware of the new rules. Now they are confronted with the consequences of their ignorance.”
Most of the drivers are expected to flock to ride sharers Uber, which is not covered by the new law.
Botonakis said: “The language skills law will improve the quality of service of taxis. It will further distinguish cabs from Ubers.
“We expect many taxi drivers with poor language skills to join Uber.”
He added: “It is true that taxi firms are in need of employees. However, the new language competence requirement does not worsen the situation.”
The cab drivers who lost their licences can regain them by passing a B1 oral test.
B1 speakers are supposed to be fluent in a language and able to chat socially with customers.
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Story By: Thomas Hochwarter, Sub-Editor: Joe Golder, Agency: Newsflash
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