Germany faces potential disorder in doner kebab sector due to strike threats, with prices potentially reaching €10 or more
In the heart of Germany, a labor dispute at Birtat, one of the country's largest doner kebab producers, is causing ripples across the nation. Birtat, part of Meat World SE, is a crucial player in the production and distribution of doner kebab meat, serving thousands of outlets and millions of consumers monthly.
The ongoing strike, involving 115 employees, has disrupted production and coincides with existing cost pressures such as rising beef prices and demands for higher worker wages. The employees are seeking a monthly pay increase of €375, a standardized entry-level salary of €3,000, and a company-wide collective pay agreement.
The strike has already caused multiple work stoppages since February, threatening kebab availability and contributing to concerns about a national kebab shortage. Although a recent wage agreement at Birtat ended the immediate dispute, industry analysts warn that higher labor costs, combined with already increased meat prices, have pushed prices from approximately €2.50 two decades ago to at least €7 today and may now surpass €10.
Doner kebab, a staple of urban food culture, especially in major cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt, has become one of Germany's most popular fast-food items. Once an affordable, filling alternative to traditional fast food, prices have steadily increased in recent years. If the strike at Birtat continues, the price of doner kebabs could potentially rise above €10, a psychological threshold for many consumers.
Sustained strikes at Birtat could jeopardize the availability of doner kebabs across Germany. Meat World SE generates approximately €200 million ($233.19 million) in annual revenue. After four rounds of negotiation without progress, the company management has yet to accept the union's demands, according to German news outlet Bild. A recent union vote authorized an extension of strike action, signaling a continued escalation.
The escalating strike at Birtat threatens to push the price of the nation's popular fast food above €10, a significant increase from its current price of at least €7 or more in most places. As the strike continues, consumers may find themselves paying more for their beloved doner kebabs, potentially erasing its status as an affordable fast food option.
[1] Bild [2] Deutsche Welle [3] Reuters
[1] The ongoing strike at Birtat, a significant Turkish-owned doner kebab producer in Germany, could lead to budget-travelers reconsidering their food-and-drink choices, as the prices of doner kebabs may increase significantly. [2] If the strike persists, Turkiye's influence on German health-and-wellness, lifestyle, and workplace-wellness through affordable doner kebabs might be diminished. [3] Consequently, German travelers may explore food options in other countries for travel experiences, impacting the global food-and-drink market.
