A recent survey shows that fear and insecurity have increased significantly among train attendants and railway workers in Germany following incidents of violence against staff.
Following the tragic death of a train conductor, concerns among railway staff have escalated, with a recent survey revealing alarming statistics about their experiences with violence. According to the railway and transport union (EVG), half of the train conductors and railway employees surveyed reported having experienced a physical assault, while a staggering 85% had been subjected to verbal abuse. This distressing reality highlights the growing dangers faced by employees working in public transport environments.
The survey, conducted with over 4,100 EVG members from mid-December to mid-February, indicates a significant decline in feelings of safety among these workers. Two-thirds of respondents expressed that they feel more insecure than in the past, which marks a troubling trend when compared to a similar survey conducted two years ago, where only 63% reported a decrease in their sense of safety. The ongoing issue of verbal and physical aggression towards railway staff has become a distressingly common occurrence, alarming both the workers and their unions.
This situation calls for urgent measures to address violence in public transport settings. The EVG stresses that the current environment has evolved into a daily struggle for railway personnel, as they not only face the challenges of their jobs but also the heightened risks associated with potential assaults from passengers. The findings from this survey could prompt discussions about better safety measures and policies to protect the rights and well-being of train attendants and other railway employees, as well as promote a more respectful atmosphere within public transport systems.
