# Cinenova Cinema Faces Allegations of Union Busting following Mass Firings
A wave of dismissals impacting roughly 20% of the Cinenova cinema workforce in Cologne-Ehrenfeld has ignited accusations of anti-union tactics and sparked a legal battle over workers’ rights. The case, centered around the wrongful termination of a works council founder, highlights growing concerns about labor practices at the arthouse cinema, which receives public funding.
The controversy began on April 24, 2025, with the abrupt dismissal of Raphael S.,a projectionist and marketing expert who was actively organizing a works council. According to sources,management at Filmtheaterbetriebe borck GmbH,led by sisters Sandrine meyer and Adrienne Weissweiler,reacted swiftly to stifle the initiative. This initial firing was followed by a series of terminations, targeting employees who voiced support for Raphael’s efforts.
“This is a textbook case of union Busting – albeit pretty cheaply made,” stated a representative from the advocacy group, Aktion ./. Arbeitsunrecht (Action Against Labor Injustice). The organization alleges that the firings constitute a “mass layoff” under german law (§17 Dismissal protection act), triggered when more than five employees are dismissed in a workforce of
