The cinema chain CineStar and the trade union ver.di have agreed on a new collective wage agreement in the fourth round of negotiations. The agreement is valid until 31 December 2027 and brings significant improvements in wages and special payments for employees at CineStar cinemas in Germany.

The core of the agreement is a wage increase totalling 11.6 percent, which will be implemented in three stages and will take effect retroactively from 1 March. The statutory minimum wage was taken into account. In addition, the annual special payment (Christmas bonus) will increase by 20 per cent.

Another component of the agreement is a structural adjustment: the categorisation of CineStar theatres will be reduced from three to two categories. This is intended to simplify the remuneration system and make it more transparent.

Both sides emphasised the constructive nature of the talks. CineStar Managing Director Oliver Fock spoke of a „successful conclusion“ after intensive but always solution-orientated negotiations. The positive atmosphere in the talks and the fair cooperation were also emphasised.

Managing Director Michael Strohmenger also emphasised the importance of the agreement for ongoing operations: "The end of the strike activities creates an important basis for stable processes for the rest of the year.

Industrial action had previously been taken at around a quarter of CineStar locations in Germany. According to CineStar, however, the impact on cinema operations was minimal as many employees still turned up for work.

The new collective agreement has now created planning security for several years in Germany's largest cinema chain - both for the company and for the employees.