Alarming violence against public sector workers is on the rise!

Alarming violence against public sector workers is on the rise!

More and more public sector employees are feeling the violent tendencies in our society. The German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB) is sounding the alarm: violence against employees in this sector is increasing sharply. How diesachsen.de reports, state chief Markus Schlimbach speaks of alarming numbers that are not only worrying, but are also continuing to rise. Last year alone, almost 111,500 acts of violence against members of the police, emergency services and fire departments were registered nationwide. This represents an increase of 4.9 percent compared to the previous year. A worrying trend that affects society as a whole.

Transport companies are particularly affected by the violence. According to a survey by the Railway and Transport Union, a whopping 82 percent of employees who have contact with customers have experienced verbal or physical attacks. Schlimbach calls for complete recording and consistent prosecution of all attacks. “Violence against public sector employees is not a marginal phenomenon,” is his powerful message. All the more reason for measures to protect those affected - and that doesn't just mean better equipment, but also more staff!

Social climate and respect

But what is causing this worrying increase in violence? Several factors come into play here. How mensch.dgb.de Reportedly, frustrated citizens often cause rapid aggression in public spaces. In addition, the respect that these employees receive has been declining for years. A survey from 2023 shows that only 54 percent of those surveyed show paramedics respect, while police officers and employees in local and long-distance transport receive this even less. The ongoing trend of a lack of respect for public administration employees is particularly noticeable.

More and more public sector workers have experienced firsthand what it means to work in a climate of increasing violence. A study shows that one in four workers in this sector has experienced violence. More than half of those surveyed reported insults, threats or physical attacks. This data corresponds to the results of the 2023 citizen survey by the Civil Service Association (dbb), which shows that only 27 percent of the population has confidence in the state's performance.

The consequences for employees

All of these circumstances lead to a stressful working environment for those affected. The situation is becoming increasingly precarious, particularly in the school context. Teachers say violence has increased. According to a survey by the Robert Bosch Foundation, 47 percent of teachers believed it was necessary to do more to combat psychological and physical violence among students. This confirms the worrying data from the DGUV, which means that not only the employees themselves are suffering, but the quality of the public service as a whole is also being questioned.

The DGB is therefore urgently calling for measures that, in addition to better equipment and more staff, must also bring about a change in the social climate. This is the only way we can ensure that public employees who work for our society every day receive the respect and security they deserve. The developments of the last few years are clear: all actors must pull together to ensure security in the public service.

The topic remains highly topical - a social discussion about respect and safety is essential, not only for the employees themselves, but for all of us.