Rail Workers Under Fire: EVG Urges More Protection and Swift Justice
Increased railways worker assaults prompt EVG's demand for enhanced law enforcement presence
In the face of a drastic increase in attacks against railway workers, the rail and transport union, EVG, is urging for beefed-up federal police presence and swifter prosecution of offenders. This call follows a string of violent incidents, including a shocking stabbing attack at Hamburg Central Station that left 18 people injured, some critically.
The EVG believes the federal police must uphold their duty and establish a significant presence in long-distance trains. They also advocate for expedited legal proceedings against assailants, such as special departments at public prosecutor’s offices. Furthermore, they are pushing for increased funding from the federal states to allow for two train attendants in local transport.
Recent data from the Federal Ministry of the Interior show that incidents of bodily injury, dangerous bodily injury, and threats against Deutsche Bahn employees have risen significantly from 2,799 in 2022 to 3,151 in 2024. This year alone, 1,244 such offenses have been recorded, signifying a concerning trend that could see 3,732 attacks by year's end.
The rise in attacks raises questions about the safety of railway workers and passengers. According to a survey conducted by the EVG in 2024, about a third of the staff feel unsafe while working, with two-thirds reporting a significant deterioration in safety perception over the past five years. Eight out of ten respondents have already experienced a verbal or physical attack, with two-thirds of these occurring within the last twelve months.
As this unsettling trend continues, the EVG is demanding action to protect railway workers from further harm. They argue that a more preventative and responsive approach by police and law enforcement is crucial to safeguarding both employees and passengers on Germany's rail network.
- The escalating incidents of violence against railway workers highlights the need for increased science and research in the field of workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness, especially focusing on the psychological impact of such crimes.
- As the general-news coverage of these attacks intensifies, politics must address the root causes of this issue, such as substance abuse, mental health, and socio-economic factors, to ensure the safety and security of the railway community.
- The increase in crime against railway workers has underscored the urgency for a re-evaluation of the country's crime-and-justice system, particularly in terms of its ability to swiftly prosecute offenders and provide appropriate punishment, thereby deterring potential perpetrators and ensuring the safety of both railway workers and passengers.
