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A prolonged labor dispute at one of Germany’s top producers, Birtat, has sparked concerns over a widespread strike, threatening to push the price of the nation’s popular fast food above €10 ($11.67 or TL474).
Germans already complain that the meaty snack—once a cheap staple sold for €2.50 about two decades ago—has become too expensive, with most places now charging at least €7 or more.
The dispute stems from unresolved wage negotiations involving roughly 115 employees, who are seeking a monthly pay increase of €375 ($436.93), a standardized entry-level salary of €3,000 ($3,498), and the implementation of a transparent and company-wide collective pay agreement.
After four rounds of negotiations without progress, company management has yet to accept the union’s demands, German news outlet Bild reported.
In response to the deadlock, workers have staged multiple walkouts since February, including ten short-term warning strikes and a five-day full strike. A recent union vote authorized an extension of strike action, signaling a continued escalation.
While the industrial action has so far caused minimal disruption to food outlets, the union cautions that sustained strikes could jeopardize kebab availability across Germany.
Even if the parties reach a settlement, industry analysts warn that higher labor costs, combined with existing increases in beef prices, could push the retail price of a doner kebab above €10—a psychological threshold for many consumers.
Located in Murr, near Ludwigsburg in southwestern Germany, Birtat is part of Meat World SE and produces frozen veal, chicken, and beef skewers for thousands of snack bars across the country.
The company’s monthly distribution reportedly reaches over 13 million consumers, with Meat World generating approximately €200 million ($233.19 million) in annual revenue.
Doner kebab has become one of Germany’s most popular fast-food items, widely available at street stalls, snack bars, and takeout shops across the country. Introduced by Turkish immigrants in the 1970s, the dish typically features seasoned meat—usually beef, chicken, or veal—cooked on a vertical rotisserie, shaved thin, and served in flatbread with salad and sauces.
Over the decades, doner kebab has evolved into a staple of urban food culture, especially in major cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. It is often seen as an affordable, filling alternative to traditional fast food, though prices have steadily increased in recent years.
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