Kebab Crisis in Germany: Wage Strikes Threaten Beloved Fast-Food Staple

Germany's iconic street food, the kebab, is under threat as an ongoing wage dispute looms over one of the country's biggest kebab producers. Workers at Birtat Meat World SE have initiated strikes, demanding higher salaries and better working conditions, raising fears of potential kebab shortages and price hikes.

The labour unrest stems from workers seeking a wage increase of 375 euros per month. The lack of transparency in payment and unequal salaries have exacerbated tensions. Immigrant workers, primarily from Turkiye, Romania, and Bulgaria, endure long hours in harsh conditions and are campaigning for unionized contracts.

Birtat, supplying over 13 million consumers monthly, faces pressure as its workers persist with demonstrations. Meanwhile, consumers and restaurant owners alike are worried about the possibility of a beloved national staple becoming both scarce and more costly.

(With inputs from agencies.)