Unforeseen gunshot on Bamberg bus instills anxiety, safety of personnel in question
In the peaceful city of Bamberg, Germany, a shocking incident has taken place. A city bus, part of the Bamberg city works' transport operations, was shot and sustained damage.
The bus, a vital part of the city's public transport system, was found with a millimeter-sized bullet hole in one of its windows. The damage caused by the unknown perpetrators amounts to approximately 2,000 euros.
The incident, which occurred on the night of Thursday, 28 August 2025, has left the city's workers and the trade union Verdi concerned about the safety of the approximately 200 employees in the driving, workshop, and administrative services.
Dirk Schneider, the union secretary responsible for public transport in western Upper Franconia, described the incident as "an unacceptable breach of boundaries" that "shakes the confidence of our colleagues in their safety."
Forensic investigators found a matching steel ball on the premises, and authorities are conducting criminal technical investigations to identify the perpetrators.
The Verdi union is not alone in its concerns. Mathias Eckhardt, DGB regional manager in Upper Franconia, emphasized the need for the increasingly frequent violence against employees in the public sector and privatized sector to stop.
The DGB initiative "Never forget, a human being is working here" has been advocating for the protection and respect of these employees since 2020. Jan Storbeck, the union secretary for utilities and waste management in Upper Franconia, expressed his incomprehension about the incident at Bamberg city works.
The DGB is concerned about the safety and respect for employees in various sectors, not just Bamberg city works. Verdi reported an increase in physical and psychological violence at work in various professional groups, including public transport, hospitals, schools, public administration, fire and rescue services, public order, police, railways, street cleaning, and waste management.
Witnesses are asked to call 0951/9129-210 at the police to provide any information that could help in the investigation. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for increased safety measures and respect for workers in essential societal tasks. Essential societal tasks are being performed only in a limited capacity or not at all due to violence-induced illnesses and dismissals.
The DGB and Verdi are actively combating rising violence against employees through the campaign "Never forget, a human being is working here". The organization connected with the verdict that violence against workers in public and privatized sectors is increasing. However, no specific government authority is named in direct connection with this verdict in the results provided.
