Street Vendor Charges Ten Euros for Doner Kebab, yet Offers Incorrect Change
In a significant development, workers at one of Germany's largest döner kebab meat factories have secured the industry's first union-backed collective bargaining agreement. This landmark agreement, which sets a starting monthly salary of 2,600 euros (approximately $3,300), marks a historic breakthrough in wages and collective bargaining amid prior disputes and strikes [1][3][5].
The factory, operated by Birtat Meat World SE, has been the centre of months of strikes and labor unrest. Workers complained about insufficient pay and wage disparities, with the refusal of management to consider collective agreements being a major sticking point [2][5]. The deal, hailed by the food and catering union NGG as a landmark development, is seen as a significant victory for kebab workers and the union [1][3].
The labor issues extend beyond wages; the work involves physically demanding and cold conditions linked to marinating and skewering meat. The resolution of this dispute has also alleviated concerns about potential price increases at döner kebab outlets nationwide, given the factory’s large scale supplying millions of servings monthly [1][3].
This development is limited primarily to Germany and does not reflect broader issues like child labor violations found in other meat-processing sectors elsewhere [4]. In Murr, however, the kebab industry continues to face issues such as poor working conditions and lack of fair wages, collective bargaining agreements, and secure working conditions [6].
Meanwhile, the kebab, once a humble street food, has gained political significance. In April 2024, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier presented a kebab skewer as an official gift during a state visit to Turkey [7]. The kebab, composed of bread, meat, and sauce, is a unifying food for various groups and has become a cultural asset. However, many in its production are fighting for basic rights [8].
Kebab shops, offering honest, quick service to satisfy hunger, are frequented by a diverse range of people, including office drones, construction workers, business students, and night owls. Despite its popularity, the price of a kebab in Murr has reached ten euros [9]. As the kebab industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether it will address the working conditions that have come to light.
References:
[1] NGG reaches historic collective bargaining agreement in kebab industry. (2025, August). Retrieved from https://www.ngg.de/presse/ngg-reach-historic-collective-bargaining-agreement-in-kebab-industry
[2] Strikes and walkouts at kebab meat factory. (2025, August). Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/strikes-and-walkouts-at-kebab-meat-factory/a-59286635
[3] Kebab workers secure first union-backed collective bargaining agreement. (2025, August). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/kebab-workers-secure-first-union-backed-collective-bargaining-agreement-2025-08-01/
[4] Child labor violations in U.S. poultry processing facilities. (2023, March). Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/15/us/child-labor-poultry-processing.html
[5] Kebab workers demand collective bargaining and fair wages. (2024, May). Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/kebab-workers-demand-collective-bargaining-and-fair-wages/a-59139752
[6] Poor working conditions in Murr's kebab industry. (2025, July). Retrieved from https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/arbeitsbedingungen-in-der-kebap-industrie-in-murr-a-1294723.html
[7] Steinmeier presents kebab skewer as official gift. (2024, April). Retrieved from https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/steinmeier-kebab-101.html
[8] The kebab: A cultural asset with a hidden cost. (2025, June). Retrieved from https://www.deutsche-welle.com/en/culture/article/The-kebab-A-cultural-asset-with-a-hidden-cost
[9] The rising cost of a kebab in Murr. (2025, June). Retrieved from https://www.n-tv.de/wirtschaft/kebap-preise-in-murr-steigen-id21112730.html
[10] debatteThe: An independent, left-wing, and opinionated daily newspaper. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.debatte.de/
[11] Kebabs served in aluminum foil. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/doner_kebab_5259039
[12] The kebab industry in Murr: A reflection of broader issues. (2025, August). Retrieved from https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/kebap-industrie-in-murr-spiegel-der-gesamtregion-a-1294724.html
- The German kebab industry, following the historic collective bargaining agreement, is nowdrawing attention in the fashion-and-beauty and entertainment sectors as it represents a symbol of social-media trends, particularly among young people.
- Meanwhile, the rising cost of a kebab in Murr has sparked discussions on food-and-drink forums, with some concerning general-news outlets about the affordability of this market in the long run.
- Politicians keep an eye on the evolution of the kebab industry, not just for its contribution to the economy and cultural diversity, but also for potential implications in politics, as demonstrated by President Steinmeier's official gift during the state visit to Turkey.
- As concerns about working conditions and fair wages remain, crime-and-justice organizations have started investigating the broader issues linked to exploitation and labor violations in the kebab industry across Murr and other regions.
