Public workers not speaking up at workplace

Around seven out of ten public servants are too afraid to make their voice heard

Most public sector social and health employees tend to keep their criticism of work conditions quiet, according to research carried out by the FOA trade union, out of fear of sanctions from management.

Over 2,000 FOA members took part in the survey and nearly 70 percent either agreed or partly agreed there would be negative repercussions for them if they spoke up publicly.

Only 11 percent answered that they did not agree or partly did not agree.

READ ALSO: Public workers handed rough collective bargaining agreement

Problem for society
The results are a problem for society according to the president of the union, Dennis Kristensen, who believes that it is the weakest members of society who lose out when people do not speak up about problematic work conditions.

“As well as public employees feeling insecure, daring not to speak up, society misses out on opportunities to improve,” he told Avisen.dk.

READ ALSO: Homecare workers complain of harassment by elderly alcoholics

Politicians and citizens are missing out on vital information from experienced workers within the welfare system, according to Professor Tim Knudsen from the Department of Political Science at the University of Copenhagen.

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