Cinema staff will stop operations in Berlin and nationwide on Saturday

The warning strike sends a signal, said negotiator Andreas Köhn. “Glamourous film festivals and precarious working conditions do not mix. While the capital presents itself in the splendor of the Berlinale, many cinema workers continue to fight for living wages.”

Verdi’s central demand is a starting wage of at least 16 euros per hour for the approximately 2,500 cinema employees nationwide – well above the legal minimum wage. Strikes were also called in Leipzig, Frankfurt and Mainz.

In an open statement, the strikers addressed the audience: “We know that the strike is inconvenient for you. But we do not strike lightly. We are committed to ensuring your cinema experience – and for this we need good working conditions and appropriate pay.”