Increased Attacks on Railway Staff Prompts EVG's Call for Enhanced Law Enforcement Presence
In the face of escalating attacks on railway employees, the railway union EVG is urging for increased protection through federal police presence in trains. EVG chairman Martin Burkert, in an interview with the German editorial network, labeled the surge in attacks as a "shameful statistic."
"The federal police must step up and provide a visible presence in long-distance train traffic," Burkert stated. He also emphasized the importance of quicker prosecution of attacks against railway staff, suggesting special prosecutor offices for such cases. Regarding a two-person crew in local transport, Burkert called on the federal states to allocate additional funds.
Recent data showed a concerning increase in offenses such as physical harm, grievous bodily harm, and threats against Deutsche Bahn employees. From 2022 to 2024, reported instances climbed from 2,799 to 3,151. During the first four months of 2023 alone, 1,244 such offenses were documented. If this trend persists, the year would see a shocking 3,732 attacks. These numbers were disclosed after a request made by the Left party in the Bundestag to the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
Left Party MP Dietmar Bartsch, who submitted the request, shared his concern, stating, "Unfortunately, more people are treating railway workers and police officers as punching bags of the nation. This lack of restraint is unacceptable and testifies to the unfortunate conditions in our country." He urged Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt to devise a strategy to decrease criminal offenses ahead of the summer break.
A 2024 EVG survey on railway workers' safety perception revealed that approximately one-third of employees felt unsafe at work. Over the past five years, safety perceptions have significantly deteriorated in two-thirds of respondents. Eight out of ten employees reported experiencing verbal or physical attacks, with two-thirds reporting incidents within the last 12 months.
Potential Measures to Enhance Safety:
- Improved working conditions and training
- Enhanced use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Increased surveillance and real-time monitoring
- Mental health support for employees
- Public awareness campaigns
- Strengthened partnerships with law enforcement
- Regular safety audits and policy reviews
While these measures are speculative based on general safety principles, specific proposals to improve safety and protect railway workers in Germany require more detailed information. The recent string of attacks underscores the urgency of comprehensive safety measures to protect railway workers in Germany.
Source: ntv.de, toh/AFP
- EVG
- Federal Police
- Deutsche Bahn
In light of the escalating attacks on railway workers, EVG has advocated for increased federal police presence in trains as a potential security measure. Meanwhile, the Left Party MP Dietmar Bartsch, concerned about the rising crime against railway workers and police officers, has urged Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt to devise a strategy to reduce these offenses. This requires policy and legislation changes, including policy reviews, mental health support for employees, public awareness, and strengthened partnerships with law enforcement.
