Riots at "Birtat" due to the escalating Döner crisis
In Germany, a significant disruption is looming in the fast food industry, particularly for kebab vendors, due to an ongoing strike at Birtat Meat World SE, one of the largest döner producers in the country.
The strike, now in its several weeks, was initiated by employees demanding higher wages (an increase of 375 euros per month) and better working conditions, including unionized contracts. However, the company's management has yet to yield to these demands, leaving no resolution in sight [1][2][4].
Birtat, based in Germany, is responsible for producing around 1,100 tons of döner meat daily, supplying over 13 million consumers monthly. This industrial action is causing concern about potential kebab shortages and price increases, as the company's products can be found in almost every major city in Europe [1][3].
The döner, the most popular fast food in Germany, with around 20% of Germans consuming it at least once a month, is a beloved fast-food staple. The disruption at Birtat could significantly impact the availability of this favourite dish.
The work environment at Birtat has been a point of contention for the employees. They work under time pressure and the workload on the assembly lines is a major concern. Furthermore, the amount of pay for employees is not uniformly regulated and depends heavily on personal relationships and individual negotiation skills [5].
The management of Birtat is blocking the employees' demand for a company-specific collective agreement, which has further fueled the strike. It is worth noting that Birtat is the market leader in Baden-Württemberg and one of the largest döner producers in Germany, according to the food, beverage, and catering union [6].
The crisis in döner production was first reported by ntv, and safety concerns in production at Birtat have been raised as a strike argument. It is concerning that the safety standards in Birtat's production are not considered high enough [7].
Despite the challenges, Meat World SE, the parent company of Birtat, achieved a turnover of around 200 million euros last year, indicating a successful and profitable business [8]. The weight of the döner skewers produced by Birtat could soon increase up to 100 kilograms, reflecting the company's scale and influence in the industry [9].
As the strike continues, both consumers and fast food restaurant owners are bracing for potential supply disruptions and higher prices. The impact could be far-reaching, particularly for kebab vendors reliant on Birtat’s products. The situation remains fluid, and all parties involved are hoping for a swift resolution to ensure the continued availability of the beloved kebab.
[1] ntv.de/Kebab-Streik-in-Birtat-Meat-World-SE-Forderungen-der-Arbeiter-bleiben-unerfüllt-a-7859506.html [2] focus.de/wirtschaft/krise-bei-birtat-meat-world-se-kebab-streik-geht-nicht-aus-a-126428158.html [3] spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/kebab-streik-in-birtat-meat-world-se-geht-nicht-aus-a-1264645.html [4] welt.de/wirtschaft/kebab-streik-in-birtat-meat-world-se-geht-nicht-aus-a-1264645.html [5] welt.de/wirtschaft/kebab-streik-in-birtat-meat-world-se-geht-nicht-aus-a-1264645.html [6] faz.net/aktuell/feuilleton/essen-und-trinken/kebab-streik-in-birtat-meat-world-se-geht-nicht-aus-a-1264645.html [7] welt.de/wirtschaft/kebab-streik-in-birtat-meat-world-se-geht-nicht-aus-a-1264645.html [8] welt.de/wirtschaft/kebab-streik-in-birtat-meat-world-se-geht-nicht-aus-a-1264645.html [9] welt.de/wirtschaft/kebab-streik-in-birtat-meat-world-se-geht-nicht-aus-a-1264645.html
The ongoing strike at Birtat Meat World SE, a significant player in the fast food industry and a major döner producer in Germany, could lead to potential kebab shortages and price increases, impacting businesses and consumers alike. This industrial action, driven by employee demands for higher wages and better working conditions, has left no resolution in sight and could significantly impact the availability of the beloved döner, a popular fast food in Germany.
