Alteration in Dönerfabrik Birtat's Tariff Rates
In a significant development for the döner meat industry in Germany, a collective bargaining agreement was reached in August 2025 between the döner manufacturer Birtat and its parent company Meat World SE, and the union Nahrung-Genuss-Gaststätten (NGG). This agreement, the first of its kind in the kebab meat sector, covers approximately 120 workers at Birtat's factory in Murr, Baden-Württemberg[1][2].
Key Provisions of the Agreement
The agreement includes several key provisions:
- A starting monthly salary of €2,600 gross, with planned wage increases to be implemented by the end of 2026[1].
- The deal brings an end to a prolonged dispute marked by eleven days of strikes, demanding fair and transparent pay for the physically demanding job of marinating and skewering meat in cold conditions[1][2][4].
- The workforce at Birtat consists primarily of immigrants from Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria, who prepare veal, chicken, and turkey meat on long skewers that are shock-frozen and distributed nationwide, reaching over 13 million consumers monthly[1][2][3].
Union Victory and Employee Recognition
The NGG hailed the pay deal as a landmark achievement, signaling respect for the workforce and better labor relations in the kebab meat industry[1][2]. Meat World SE, Birtat’s parent company, expressed appreciation for the employees' dedication[1].
The agreement also alleviated broader fears of kebab price surges or shortages, which had worried consumers and restaurant owners during the dispute[2][4].
Historic Result and Company Benefits
NGG negotiator Magdalena Krüger considered the agreement a historic result in the döner meat industry and a success for the employees[1]. Company spokesman Cihan Karaman believed that the contract not only creates planning security but also strengthens the trust and cooperation between the company and the employees[1].
DGB state chairman Kai Burmeister considered the collective bargaining agreement at Birtat a great success for the employees and the NGG[1]. This collective agreement marks an important milestone for labor rights and pay transparency in this traditionally underregulated industry sector[1][2][4].
References
- Birtat and NGG reach historic collective bargaining agreement
- Collective bargaining agreement at Birtat: An end to the dispute
- Birtat: Market leader in döner production
- Collective bargaining agreement at Birtat: Boost for workers and consumers
- The historic collective bargaining agreement between Birtat and the NGG, marked the first in the kebab meat sector, not only securing a starting monthly salary of €2,600 for 120 workers but also fostering better labor relations within the döner meat industry.
- The agreement between Birtat and its parent company, Meat World SE, not only alleviated concerns of kebab price surges or shortages among consumers and restaurant owners, but also brought an end to a prolonged dispute, ensuring fair and transparent pay for workers preparing food-and-drink items.
- The key provisions of the collective bargaining agreement, such as wage increases by the end of 2026 and addressing the physically demanding nature of the job, signaled increased respect for the workforce primarily composed of immigrants from Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria, contributing to the food-and-drink, lifestyle, and finance sectors of the industry.
