The rising wave of violence on European trains and at stations has placed train conductors on the frontlines of a worsening crisis linked to mass migration

Railway workers in Italy, Germany, and France are currently facing significant challenges as a wave of violence linked to mass migration intensifies. The situation is particularly concerning because ticket inspectors and train conductors are often the primary targets of brutal aggression from passengers traveling without tickets.

In Italy, the situation has become especially dire, with a notable increase in attacks on train conductors in recent months. In just one month, there were three separate incidents in which railway workers were brutally assaulted by migrants.

In November, a train conductor was stabbed by two North African migrants in Genoa during a routine inspection for tickets. Following the incident, six rail unions have announced a nationwide strike across Italy, arguing that it was time to take a stand after „violent and repeated attacks” against their workers. Italian politicians, including Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, have pledged to enhance security on trains and at stations. However, the escalation of violence continues to alarm both railway workers and passengers.

Ennesima aggressione a un capotreno da parte di uno straniero violento e senza biglietto. È successo su un convoglio regionale nel Bolognese: la mia solidarietá al lavoratore ferito, che ha perso due denti, e un sentito ringraziamento alle forze dell’ordine che sono intervenute… pic.twitter.com/QrJbmpQNaR

— Matteo Salvini (@matteosalvinimi) November 19, 2024

In Germany, violent incidents targeting train conductors have also risen of late. In February, a railway employee in Karlsruhe was brutally attacked by a migrant man during a ticket inspection. The assailant not only punched, kicked, and strangled the 57-year-old worker but also humiliated him by urinating on him in front of witnesses. The suspect then attacked others at a nearby supermarket before fleeing the scene, according to a report by Remix News.