Kebab workers in Germany celebrate significant wage agreement victory
In a significant development for the kebab meat industry in Germany, workers at the Birtat factory in southwest Germany have reached a collective bargaining agreement with management. The settlement, announced by the NGG food, beverages, and catering union, marks the first of its kind in this sector [1][2][3].
The factory, one of Germany's largest in the sector, supplies approximately 13 million businesses monthly with marinated and skewered veal, chicken, and turkey [2]. The workforce mainly consists of immigrant employees from Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria, who have been advocating for improved salaries and have staged several walkouts [1].
The agreement, which covers approximately 120 workers at the Birtat factory, includes a starting monthly salary of €2,600 ($3,300) [3]. This is a significant increase from the workers' previous demands of a standardized entry-level salary of €3,000 per month [1].
The collective agreement also expresses appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the Birtat factory employees [3]. The union considers this agreement as the beginning of an important chapter in labor relations in the kebab meat industry [1].
The dispute at the Murr plant, which has been ongoing, was resolved on Friday with the agreement [1][2]. The humble doner, a popular dish in Germany, originates from Turkey and was introduced to the country by Turkish migrants [1].
Despite the resolution of the dispute, no details regarding a wage increase of €375 per month have been reported [1]. The prolonged dispute had raised concerns about kebab availability and potential price increases in Germany but has not yet resulted in concrete new terms [1][2][3][4].
The long-standing dispute between workers and management at the Birtat factory had remained deadlocked as of early August 2025 [1]. Negotiations had included multiple rounds of negotiations and ongoing strikes, including warning strikes and a five-day full strike [1]. However, with the recent agreement, both parties have reached a resolution that is beneficial for all involved.
[1] The Local
[2] Deutsche Welle
[3] BBC News
[4] Reuters
- The kebab meat industry in Germany is experiencing a shift towards workplace wellness, as evidenced by the recent collective bargaining agreement at the Birtat factory, which prioritizes health and wellness in the industry, finance, and lifestyle.
- The agreement at the Birtat factory, a significant player in the food and drink sector, has not only established increased salary standards but also recognizes the hard work and dedication of its employees, contributing to overall health and wellness in the workplace.
- In the broader context of the health and wellness industry, the Birtat factory agreement could serve as a precedent for other food and beverage establishments, potentially improving wage standards and fostering a healthier work environment across industries.
