Strong Food Cravings Anticipated for the Euros: Osnabrück Allocates €61.8 Million for Fast Food, Burgers, Fries, and Pizza
Fast Food Workers in Osnabrück Push for Wage Increase
Negotiations for a new collective agreement in Osnabrück's fast food industry are set to commence on July 16, following the European Football Championship. The union Nahrung-Genuss-Gaststätten (NGG) and the Federal Association of System Gastronomy (BdS) will be involved in these discussions, with the NGG advocating for a "significant wage increase."
According to the NGG, the current hourly wage of 12.61 euros in the fast food industry is inadequate, bringing little value to workers. The union demands a remuneration of 1,150 euros for the start of training at fast food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, L'Osteria, Vapiano & Co., a substantial increase from the current training pay.
The proposed wage increases aim to help the fast food industry get out of the low-wage trap, particularly after the challenges posed by the corona pandemic and inflation. The NGG chairman in Osnabrück has criticized the industry's wages, highlighting the "massive catch-up need" for wages in the sector.
In 2021, it was reported that people in Osnabrück spent an average of 375 euros each on eating out. However, a worker earning the minimum wage in the fast food industry would have to work almost an hour to afford a meal at McDonald's, which costs nearly 12 euros.
The fast food industry in Osnabrück is represented by the union NGG. Employees with job experience should receive an additional 500 euros per month, while trainees in their third year should earn 1,350 euros, an increase of around 120 euros.
It is worth noting that fast food restaurants in Osnabrück often pay wages in the "light wage spectrum" and some pay only the statutory minimum wage of 12.41 euros per hour. The first round of negotiations will provide insight into whether these wages will be addressed and improved.
For more detailed and up-to-date information on ongoing wage campaigns or efforts to improve pay and training pay in Osnabrück’s fast food industry, it is recommended to check local trade unions, regional labor rights groups, or local news outlets in Osnabrück.
- The European Football Championship has paved the way for negotiations between the fast food industry and unions in Osnabrück, perceived as an opportunity to address wage issues.
- In contrast to the significant amount spent annually on eating out in Osnabrück, fast food workers struggle to afford meals due to wages falling within the "light wage spectrum."
- The fast food industry is not unique to sports or recreation but forms a part of the broader business sector, where issues of pay inequality are evident.
- The union Nahrung-Genuss-Gaststätten (NGG) has also expressed interest in the finance and retail sectors, potentially proposing similar wage increases in those industries.
