Factory workers secured a new wage agreement at Birtat Doner facility - Labor union reaches collective bargaining deal at Dönerfabrik Birtat
In a significant development for both the workers and the döner kebab industry in Germany, a collective bargaining agreement has been reached between the Union of Food, Beverage, and Catering (NGG) and Meat World SE (Birtat), a major supplier based in Murr near Ludwigsburg.
The agreement, which is the first of its kind in the döner meat industry, covers approximately 120 employees, primarily immigrants from Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria. It sets a starting monthly salary of €2,600 (approximately $3,300), with scheduled increases planned through the end of 2026[1][2].
The dispute leading to this agreement was sparked by concerns over transparency and inequality in wages, despite workers performing identical jobs such as marinating meat and skewering it under cold conditions to maintain freshness[1][2][3][4]. The conflict resulted in multiple walkouts and strikes, putting pressure on the company to address these issues.
Birtat Meat World SE, which supplies döner kebabs to around 13 million consumers monthly, has now accepted the negotiations. Union representatives view this agreement as a landmark development for the industry, signifying improved labor relations and validating the workers' efforts. The company also expressed appreciation for employees' dedication[1][2].
Key points of the collective bargaining and agreement include:
- Starting gross monthly wage: €2,600
- Coverage: About 120 workers at the Birtat factory in Murr
- Union: NGG (Food, Beverages and Catering Union)
- Increases: Scheduled to take place through the end of 2026
- Worker background: Predominantly immigrant workforce from Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria
- Company: Birtat Meat World SE, a major supplier nationwide
- Context: Agreement ends weeks of strikes and walkouts; wage disparity and transparency were major issues
This wage deal is considered a significant milestone in the döner meat industry in Germany, potentially influencing labor standards in similar sectors. The resolution also alleviates concerns among restaurant owners and consumers about potential price hikes or supply shortages of döner kebabs due to prior strikes[1][2][3][4].
Additionally, the agreement includes wage increases totaling up to 17 percent by the end of 2026[1]. At the time of writing, Meat World SE (Birtat) was unavailable for comment.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4]
The agreement between the NGG and Birtat Meat World SE, spanning various EC countries such as Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria, has set a new benchmark in the döner kebab industry's employment policy, as it is the first collective bargaining agreement in the döner meat sector. This agreement, covering approximately 120 employees, includes a starting monthly salary of €2,600 and scheduled increases, and has been reached amidst concerns of inequality in wages and transparency in the finance sector of the retail industry.
With this strategic deal, the döner kebab sector's employment policy in Germany could influence labor standards in similar industries, potentially preventing future conflicts or strikes, and ensuring a stable business environment for both workers and businesses.
