Oktoberfest workers form initiative against racism and sexism
- Workers at the Oktoberfest in Munich have formed an initiative called Bedienungen gegen rechts to combat racism, fascism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination on the festival grounds.
- and Anna H., chose to withhold their full last names due to employer pressures.
- In their joint Instagram video, multiple service workers recited the names of the victims killed during the right-wing extremist bombing on September 26, 1980, which claimed 13 lives—including...
Workers at the Oktoberfest in Munich have formed an initiative called Bedienungen gegen rechts to combat racism, fascism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination on the festival grounds. Organized by long-time service workers Fanny Z. and Anna H., the group emerged following the regional election in Saxony-Anhalt in early September, where the AfD secured 43.8 percent of the vote. Since launching a WhatsApp group that quickly grew to 100 members within a day, 168 service workers have united to take a stand against discrimination while performing their duties across various tents.
Origins and Anonymity Concerns Among Workers
The organizing founders, Fanny Z. and Anna H., chose to withhold their full last names due to employer pressures. According to the organizers, several tent operators issued warnings instructing staff to avoid political statements and prohibiting unauthorized communication with the press, with some even threatening termination. Despite these risks, Fanny Z. emphasized that the action is not directed against the tent operators, stating, Am liebsten würden wir mit den Wirten gemeinsame Sache machen
as reported in the source material. The group’s rapid expansion saw their initial WhatsApp circle of 25 swell to 100 members in less than 24 hours before they released a coordinated Instagram video.
Commemorating the 1980 Oktoberfest Bombing
In their joint Instagram video, multiple service workers recited the names of the victims killed during the right-wing extremist bombing on September 26, 1980, which claimed 13 lives—including the perpetrator—and injured over 200 people. By linking past violence to present-day dynamics, the workers emphasize that the festival relies entirely on a diverse workforce. As stated in their collective message, Die Wiesn lebt nicht trotz dieser Vielfalt, sie lebt durch diese Vielfalt.
The participants warn that exclusionary rhetoric, racism, sexism, and queerphobia are becoming increasingly normalized on the festival grounds.
Personal Testimonies of Discrimination on the Grounds
Lavio Prudentos, a non-binary, Black service worker currently employed at the Ochsenbraterei tent, has experienced both racism and queerphobia firsthand while working the festival. Prudentos joined the initiative immediately after learning about it from Fanny Z., noting that increased visibility helps guests recognize these issues. Je sichtbarer man als Bedienung ist, desto mehr checken es auch die Gäste,
Prudentos explained, adding that the goal is to engage visitors in conversations and encourage critical reflection. Notably, the Ochsenbraterei stands out as the only tent to officially like the group’s social media reel. Other participating workers gathered for a group photo on Thursday, stressing that they refuse to quietly accept the return of everyday discrimination and prefer to establish clear boundaries rather than seek confrontation.