Alarming violence on the market: every second affected!

Alarming violence on the market: every second affected!

Violence at the workplace has long been everyday life for many trade employees in Austria. According to a current survey by the GPA union, in which more than 1,500 members participated, almost every second respondent reported about insults, threats or sexual harassment during work. These terrifying numbers show that the willingness to use violence, especially in the trade industry, has increased significantly. For example, 8.4 percent of those surveyed stated that they were personally affected last year, while 53.2 percent perceived an increase in such incidents in the past five years, as Die Krone

The high proportion of female employees who are affected by sexist attacks is particularly worrying. Around 40 percent of women stated that they have heard of suggestive jokes, 20 percent reported verbal sexual harassment and four percent of physical attacks. Barbara Teiber, the chairwoman of the GPA, names the customers as the main problem and warns of a tone that has become rougher. Sabine Großensteiner, Billa works councilor, also realizes that dealing with colleagues has become rougher.

increasing aggressiveness and attacks

The survey also showed that 57.8 percent of the respondents reported insults and 58.6 percent of intimidation. These attacks are particularly common in the food trade, where customer behavior is anonymous. Long waiting times at the health insurers also contribute to aggressiveness. The Kleine Zeitung emphasizes that women in the industry are particularly at risk, since many branches are only occupied by female employees, which are then the majority of harassment.

This trend is supported by the increasing willingness to violence among customers. Reports of groups of men who provocatively observe and harass employees are piling up. In addition, raids with weapons and aggressive behavior of caught thieves are increasing, especially in urban metropolitan centers, where the inhibition threshold for violence seems lower.

claims of the union

Politics is also required to tackle the problem. According to the Vienna-Schwechat Airport, some companies have already launched initiatives to counter aggression among customers through campaigns. It is clear that structural changes are also necessary to improve the safety of employees.

The Work inspection emphasizes that violence and harassment at work not only have legal, but also psychological and social implications. It is important that employers evaluate the dangers and implement suitable protective measures to ensure a secure working environment.