Labor Organization Announces Industrial Action at Doner Meat Production Facility - Labor action: Fresh stoppage at Doner Factory
The long-standing labor dispute at the Birtat Doner Kebab factory in Germany has come to an end, following the signing of the country's first collective bargaining agreement in the kebab meat industry. The agreement was reached after weeks of intermittent strikes and negotiations, and it promises to set new standards for wage fairness in the sector.
The Birtat factory, located in Murr, Baden-Württemberg, supplies doner kebab meat to approximately 13 million consumers monthly, serving thousands of outlets across the country. The labor dispute arose due to concerns about underpayment and lack of wage transparency among the factory's workers, many of whom are immigrants from Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria.
The Union of Food, Beverage and Catering (NGG) had announced a temporary halt to strikes, expecting a collective bargaining agreement by Thursday. However, the employer, Birtat, showed no willingness to discuss the agreement in the planned meeting. Despite this, the NGG persisted and the historic agreement was finally reached.
Under the terms of the agreement, the starting monthly salary for the factory's approximately 120 employees will be set at €2,600 (approximately $3,300), with planned increases of up to 17% by 2027. This landmark deal marks a significant step forward in labor relations within the kebab industry.
The NGG union has hailed the deal as a historic first collective agreement in the kebab meat industry, signifying a new chapter in labor relations. Management, represented by the parent company Meat World SE, also praised the deal, stating that it recognizes the employees' commitment and hardship.
The settlement of this dispute reduces concerns about potential kebab price hikes, as prolonged strikes could have disrupted supply chains and increased costs for consumers. For many, doner kebabs remain an affordable meal option.
Despite the resolution of the dispute, a rally is still planned for the morning in response to the ongoing labor dispute. The rally is expected to be attended by DGB state chairman Kai Burmeister, among others.
This labor dispute serves as a reminder of the importance of fair pay and collective bargaining rights for workers in the food industry. The agreement reached at the Birtat Doner Kebab factory sets a precedent for future negotiations and is a significant step towards ensuring fair and equitable working conditions for all.
- To further improve the working conditions and welfare of workers at the Birtat Doner Kebab factory, the new community policy will include provisions for regular workplace-wellness checks, health-and-wellness programs, and vocational training opportunities to enhance the skills and career advancement of its employees.
- In a bid to foster financial stability for its workforce, the funds generated from the successful resolution of the labor dispute atthe Birtat Doner Kebab factory may be allocated towards establishing a scholarship program for the vocational training of future generations of workers in the kebab industry, ensuring sustainable growth and competitiveness.
