A Bakers Strike Threatens Oktoberfest Pretzels

Oktoberfest, the famous Bavarian Beer festival, is less than three weeks away, and there’s a chance the millions of people who are headed to Munich won’t have any pretzels to go with their beer. The reason? A possible strike. The NGG Gastronomy Union, which counts 50,000 members of the Bavarian Bakers’ Guild, are seeking 6.5 percent increase in their wages:

Talks stalled in the past week and the union threatened to strike during the world’s biggest beer festival, which is due to start on September 20. “The offer from the employers is far too low and therefore we have to put more pressure behind our demands,” Walter Linner from the NGG union told NBC News. However, organizers reassured visitors that the traditional snacks would remain on sale. “We spoke with one of our suppliers already and were told that they will ensure deliveries,” said Dr. Gabriele Papke, a spokeswoman for the festival.

If the talks fail, Toni Roiderer, owner of the Hacker beer tent, has a suggestion for visitors: “[We] just have to drink more beer.”

 

Read more at NBC News.

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