Alarming: Violence against employees in the public service increases rapidly!

Alarming: Violence against employees in the public service increases rapidly!

increasing aggression in society: The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) Saxony sums it up: Violence against employees in the public service has achieved a worrying extent. In a recent statement, the DGB condemns the alarming increase of attacks and demands an urgent rethinking of politics, employers and society as a whole. "These employees are not exposed to the growing aggressiveness," warns DGB boss Markus Schlimbach. The situation makes nothing - fire brigade, emergency services, police, public transport, schools, daycare centers and health care are in the line of fire.

A problem that has not yet been sufficiently received in the consciousness of society. "We need a comprehensive package of measures to prevent violence," demands Schlimbach. This includes public change in consciousness, more staff, better equipment and strong health management to improve the situation for employees.

overwhelming figures to attack

The numbers speak for themselves: In 2024, 111,496 violent acts against the police, emergency services and fire brigade were registered nationwide - an increase of 4.9% compared to 2023. The increase in attacks by Deutsche Bahn, which rose from 2,799 (2022) to 3,151 (2024), has been particularly worrying. In the first four months of 2025 alone, 1,244 attacks have already been documented. This shows that the problem is not a marginal phenomenon, but a social challenge that must be addressed nationwide.

• 111,496 acts against employees in 2024
• increase to Deutsche Bahn employees: 3,151 attacks
• 1.244 attacks in the first four months of 2025

A survey by the Railway and Transport Union (EVG) illustrates the precarious situation: 82% of employees report verbal or physical attacks with customer contact. In an earlier DGB survey there were 2020 alarming results that show that two thirds of the employees in the public and privatized sector have experienced violence at work.

social respect on the retreat

The social climate plays a crucial role. Frustrations in public space are increasingly leading to faster aggression. A trend that has solidified for years. Only 54% of those surveyed believe that paramedics are respected, while police officers and employees experience significantly less recognition in local and long-distance transport. Dissatisfaction in the workplace often correlates with a lack of respect for the employees.

Numerous initiatives have been launched to counteract this. For example, the federal government has commissioned studies on violence prevention and stimulated a constructive exchange with unions. The “Protection only goes together” campaign, which was launched in 2023, specifically aims to improve working conditions for police and rescue workers.

It remains to be seen whether these various measures help to sharpen awareness and improve the social climate. The DGB calls for the situation of employees in the public service seriously and to work for a respectful manner.