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A planned strike by taxi drivers on September 5 has been called off due to the government's uncertain future, unions have confirmed.

Major protests were planned following earlier this month, which were set to block roads, airports, and train stations, primarily over proposed changes to the level of hospital transfer fees payable to drivers when taking patients

It was to continue a series of strikes and protests by taxi drivers in France which have been taking place since May 2025. 

However, a vote of confidence set to be held on September 8 is likely to topple the government, leading unions to cancel the plans. 

"As long as uncertainty remains over whether the political government will remain in power or fall, there is no guarantee of having a legitimate political interlocutor capable of making commitments," several driver unions and federations said in a joint statement.

"Launching a mobilisation in this context would be a waste of precious energy," they added.

Unions said they would confirm new dates for protests once a new government was named, or if current prime minister François Bayrou survives the vote.

The changes to transport fees are still set to come into force from October regardless of the vote on September 8, as decrees for the new measures have already entered the Journal Officiel.

Transport fee changes 

Several rounds of negotiation between unions and the government have so far failed to resolve disputes over the incoming changes. 

Hospital transport fees are paid to taxi drivers by Assurance Maladie, and cover transport for patients – usually elderly and in rural areas – who need assistance to get to their appointments. 

Around half of all hospital transportation is carried out by taxis, but authorities say the use of light medical vehicles would be significantly cheaper.

As part of widespread cost-saving measures, the government is aiming to change how fees are calculated for taxi drivers, resulting in around €150 million of annual savings after costs reached €6.7 billion in 2024.

Major changes include an increase to the base fee for transporting patients, but a sharp decrease on claims for ‘empty’ trips after dropping patients off, even if drivers operate out of their usual operating radius for the journey, essentially making half of the trip unpaid.

Taxi drivers argue these changes will cause them difficulties. 

Secretary of the Fédération nationale du taxi (FNDT) Dominique Buisson argues the changes will see up to a 40% loss in revenue for some drivers. 

Up to 85% of taxi drivers gain some income from transferring patients and for some rural drivers it makes up the majority of their earnings, accounting for around 80% of their monthly income in some cases. 

Those who have agreements in place with Assurance Maladie to drive hospital patients usually earn around half of their monthly income this way. 

Mr Buisson argues that hospital transport fees are rising because patients are being asked to go to more appointments, and healthcare centres are becoming more difficult to access, particularly in remote areas. 

Previous protests have also seen taxi drivers criticise ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Uber for failing to enforce regulations on their workers.