Following the Factory Strike: Initial Collective Bargaining Agreement Established in the Döner Sector - Following the factory dispute, the initial collective bargaining agreement in the doner production sector is finalized
Historic Collective Bargaining Agreement Reached in Germany's Döner Meat Industry
In a landmark decision, the Union of Food, Beverage and Catering (NGG) and Meat World SE (Birtat) have reached a collective bargaining agreement, marking the first industry-wide union-backed contract in Germany's döner meat sector.
The agreement was reached after a protracted labor dispute involving strikes and wage negotiations, culminating in August 2025. The dispute centred around the Birtat factory in Ludwigsburg, southwestern Germany, which is a traditional doner skewer factory known for skewering and shaping beef, chicken, or pork.
The NGG union, which represents about 120 workers at the Birtat factory, largely immigrants from Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria, had been demanding better working conditions, increased transparency, and a standardized collective pay agreement, including a monthly salary increase of approximately €375 to reach a gross monthly salary of around €3,000.
The finalized deal sets the starting monthly salary at €2,600, with planned increases by the end of 2026. This wage floor signalizes the first industry-wide union-backed contract in the kebab meat sector in Germany. The agreement covers around 120 workers at the Ludwigsburg site.
The NGG union hailed the deal as historic, calling it a milestone creating improved labor relations in the döner meat industry, a key part of Germany’s fast food scene. Meat World SE’s spokesman emphasized the agreement as recognition of the workers’ hard work and dedication.
The dispute had raised fears among restaurant owners and consumers about potential kebab price hikes or shortages since Birtat supplies millions of outlets nationwide, reaching around 13 million customers monthly. However, analysts believe that while labour cost increases and rising beef prices might impact döner prices, they are unlikely to exceed €10, a sensitive threshold for consumers.
The negotiators stated that reaching the agreement was not an easy path, but they were able to find solutions together despite different starting points. The agreement includes an increase in wages in two stages, totaling up to 17 percent at the top, with the agreement expiring at the end of 2026.
The NGG union's collective bargaining agreement is considered a historic result in the doner meat industry. Approximately 90% of the NGG members surveyed approved the agreement in a second ballot. Cihan Karaman, spokesperson for Meat World SE, stated that the contract creates planning security and strengthens the trust and cooperation between the company and the employees.
With this agreement, it is hoped that the döner meat industry in Germany will move towards improved labour practices and fairer working conditions for its employees. The success of the negotiations at Birtat serves as a model for future collective bargaining agreements in the sector.
- Despite the Commission not yet adopting a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, the NGG union in Germany's döner meat industry has highlighted the importance of improved labor relations and increased transparency.
- While the manufacturing industry in Germany is known for its policy-and-legislation and politics, the historic collective bargaining agreement reached in the döner meat industry reflects a significant shift towards a focus on lifestyle factors such as worker well-being and fair living wages.
- The agreement, which covers food-and-drink production in the döner meat industry, has incited optimism about finance implications, as analysts believe döner prices might increase, but are unlikely to exceed sensitive consumer thresholds.
- In parallel with the ongoing debate on policy-and-legislation surrounding the protection of workers from ionizing radiation exposure in the finance industry, the success of the negotiations at Birtat serves as a model for future collective bargaining agreements in various industries, fostering fairer working conditions and employee trust.
