Violence prevention in the workplace: Conference calls for more protection and civil courage
Around 320 participants discussed at the violence prevention conference "You too! Act instead of gawking!" about concrete measures against violence and for more safety in the world of work. The consensus: Violence prevention needs clear rules, social responsibility and courageous action.
Symposium on Violence Prevention
Violence in the workplace: A growing problem
Whether in healthcare, education, public transport or administration – attacks on employees are increasing. Psychological stress, verbal attacks or even physical violence are sad everyday life. This is exactly where the violence prevention conference on 26 March in the ÖGB House Catamaran came in. Under the motto "You too! Act instead of gawking!", the Vienna Chamber of Labour, the ÖGB, the trade unions vida, GPA, GÖD and the Weisser Ring association invited to a discussion on victim protection, prevention and civil courage.
Demand for secure jobs
AK President Renate Anderl opened the event with a clear appeal: "Unfortunately, violence in the workplace is increasing more and more. Employers must develop concrete protective measures together with works councils." The protection of employees is not a freestyle, but a duty.
Christa Hörmann (ÖGB) pointed out the particular concern of women: "Violence prevention is an indispensable part of a self-determined and violence-free life. It belongs in every working reality."
"People can experience violence anywhere – including in the workplace. Events like this are essential for those affected to be able to process their potentially traumatizing experiences well."
Trade unions: No tolerance for violence
Olivia Janisch (vida) emphasised the responsibility of society and trade unions alike: "Violence must not be tabooed or trivialised. We demand respectful working environments and effective protective measures."
Mario Ferrari (GPA Vienna) recalled the structural character of the problem: "Violence is not individual misconduct, but a social challenge – employers have a special responsibility here."
Eckehard Quin (GÖD) referred to increased violence against public servants and welcomed the legal expansion of the Guard Staff Assistance Act - but demanded more: "Prevention and protection must be further expanded."
Prevention works – if you take it seriously
In his keynote speech, Holger Pressel (AOK Baden-Württemberg) called for violence to be recognized as a structural phenomenon and no longer to be concealed. "Many incidents are not reported out of shame or resignation. Managers, works councils and trade unions can change this by establishing a functioning reporting system."
"Many incidents are not reported out of shame or resignation. Managers, works councils and trade unions can change this by establishing a functioning reporting system."
His message was clear: violence prevention is worthwhile – for companies, for employees, for society as a whole.
Download Holger Pressel's presentation here!
Civil courage instead of looking the other way
The conference also provided space for practical workshops on topics such as safety in public transport, conflict resolution in the workplace, violence in education and ILO 190, the International Convention against Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.
Information booths, cultural contributions and networking opportunities rounded off the program. The common denominator: civil courage can be learned. And it is indispensable.
Violence has no place in the world of work
The Violence Prevention Conference made it clear that employers, politicians and society must act together to prevent violence. Clear protection concepts, reliable reporting channels, legal framework conditions and, above all, the courage to look and act are needed.
Because one thing is certain: A secure job is not a luxury – it's a fundamental right.
