The Ghent taxi company V-Tax, which was declared bankrupt by the commercial court on 22 August, has found a new owner in the towing company Lybaert.
The bankruptcy of V-Tax, once the largest and oldest taxi company in the city, caused great concern among the 98 employees, who feared for their future. The takeover by Lybaert offers a glimmer of hope, but the reality is harsh: only 56 of the one hundred employees will keep their jobs. The rest of the staff faces an uncertain future.
The takeover not only means a drastic reduction in the workforce, but also a relocation of the taxi company. It will move from its familiar location on the Wiedauwkaai to the premises of Breakdown Lybaert on the Vliegtuiglaan in Ghent. This new chapter in the history of V-Tax marks a major change for the company that has been a fixture in the Ghent streetscape since shortly after the Second World War.
joy and sorrow
Steven Steyaert of the trade union BTB reacted mixed to the news. "On the one hand, there is a jubilant mood, but on the other hand, we know that people will have to leave. We will have to guide those people very well, we will ensure a good social plan." Steyaert's words reflect the complexity of the situation, in which joy about the preservation of part of the company is combined with sadness about the loss of jobs.
The bankruptcy of V-Tax did not come as a complete surprise. The company had been suffering for some time from the economic consequences of the corona crisis, which took a heavy toll on the taxi industry. The pandemic caused a sharp drop in demand for taxi rides, leading to significant financial losses. This was not the first time that V-Tax had faced financial difficulties. Back in 2006, the company was already on the brink of collapse, when it had to temporarily cease its activities. Nevertheless, V-Tax managed to survive, even at a time when competition from Uber and other new players was drastically changing the market.
V-Tax, founded shortly after the Second World War by André Martens, started out modestly but grew over the years into a major force in the Ghent taxi world. The name V-Tax refers to the Volkswagen taxis that were an important part of the fleet at the time. Thanks to a series of strategic mergers, the company managed to strengthen and expand its position. The 90s marked a crucial moment in the history of V-Tax, when Monique Martens, the founder's daughter, decided to automate the company. This decision proved to be visionary and laid the foundation for the further growth and modernization of the company.
redding
However, these innovations were not enough to save the company from the challenges of the 21st century. The rise of new technologies, changing customer expectations and the economic shocks of the corona pandemic severely tested V-Tax's traditional taxi model. The takeover by Lybaert can be seen as a last attempt to save the company, albeit in a slimmed-down form.
For the Ghent taxi market, this means the end of an era. V-Tax, which for decades was synonymous with reliability and service in the city, will now have to take a new path under the wings of Lybaert. The move to the Vliegtuiglaan and the reduction of the workforce mark a new beginning, but also a painful farewell to the past.
The unions remain closely involved in the process and have promised to do everything in their power to support the affected employees. Drawing up a social plan is one of the priorities. Although the fate of many employees is still uncertain, the takeover by Lybaert offers at least the chance for part of the company to continue to exist.
