The Occupational Safety and Health Act in the event of a defence: A special state with far-reaching effects

Based on the current legal framework and recent developments, an alarming future scenario can be drawn up in which the Labour Security Act (ASG) leads to massive forced mobilisations of civilians in the event of a defence emergency. Although this scenario is theoretical, it is based on real existing legal regulations andPolitical debates that have gained urgency due to the changed security situation in Europe – especially since the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

The Defense Case: A state of emergency with profound consequences

If Germany is affected by a military attack or an escalating conflict in Europe, the Bundestag could declare the defense case with a two-thirds majority. This would put the emergency laws into force – including the Occupational Safety Act. This law gives the Federal Employment Agency the authority to compulsorilyInvolve employment relationships if voluntary workers are not sufficient. Not only members of the Bundeswehr are affected. It is about civilian activities in essential areas such as energy supply, medical care, logistics, infrastructure or armaments production. Men aged 18 to 60 can be used almost anywhere in system-relevant sectorsbecome. In the event of a defense, women may be obliged to work in medical facilities in particular.

Forced labor under state control

The consequences for the population would be dramatic. The fundamental right to freely chosen jobs in accordance with Article 12 of the Basic Law would be overridden. People could be pushed into new jobs or prevented from quitting existing employment against their will. The Federal Employment Agency would become the central authority in the distribution of human resources in thecountry. The obligation is made by official decision and those who oppose must expect sanctions. The selection criteria are defined by law, but they could be interpreted very generously under time pressure and political pressure. The population would thus be under a state-controlled labor regime that ignores individual life plans and personal freedomsmassively restricted.

Social tensions and mental stress

Such a scenario would dig deep into society. People who previously worked in civilian professions could suddenly be used to work in armaments companies or emergency logistics. Families would be torn apart, social networks would be cut, careers would be stopped abruptly. The psychological stress would be enormous – not only because of the new work itself,but above all because of the loss of self-determination and security. In addition, new social inequalities could emerge. Those who are classified as systemically relevant may receive preferred care or protection. Critical voices or resistance, on the other hand, could be disadvantaged or even criminalized. Social solidarity would be on a hardtest made.

Democratic dilemmas: security against freedom

The Occupational Works Insurance Act makes it clear how far the state is allowed to go in extreme emergencies in order to ensure the functionality of the society. At the same time, it raises fundamental questions: How much coercion is legitimate? Which rights may be restricted and how can it be prevented from extending or abused beyond the defense casebe? The danger is that once activated emergency laws could not only have an effect in the short term, but also create permanent structures that undermine democratic principles. In such a case, the population would have to deal with external threats, but also with a profound internal transformation of the state.

A urgency warning about vigilance

A case of defense with mass forced mobilization under the Occupational Occupational Occupation Act would be a state of emergency of enormous scope that will deeply interfere with the lives of each individual. He would fundamentally change the world of work, society and democracy. This scenario is not a forecast, but an urgent warning: The legal basis for this is available -and their application depends on political decisions. It is therefore essential that the population remains well informed, is alert and remains open to discussions. Only a living democracy can ensure that emergency laws do not become normal – and that freedom retains its indispensable value even in times of crisis.