German hospice worker fired for AfD candidacy takes employer to labor court

Martina Müller, an employee at a hospice, has lost her job due to her candidacy for the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in upcoming local elections. The dismissal has led Müller to file a lawsuit, which has now been received by the Wilhelmshaven Labor Court. Court officials anticipate setting a hearing date in the coming days.

Müller, who had worked as an administrative specialist at a hospice run by mission:lebenshaus gGmbH for 15 years, announced her termination in a video shared on social media with AfD Bundestag member Martin Sichert. The Verein für Innere Mission in Bremen, the parent organization, confirmed the dismissal. They stated that active candidacy for an organization classified as "securely right-wing extremist" in Lower Saxony presents a "serious conflict" with the fundamental values and mission of church-affiliated social work.

“

The active candidacy for an organization classified as securely right-wing extremist in Lower Saxony stands in serious conflict with the fundamental values and the mission of church and diaconia.

Müller's legal challenge initially began at the Bremen Labor Court but was withdrawn and refiled in Wilhelmshaven, chosen for its shorter travel distance from her home. Both courts were viable options as proceedings can occur either at the employer's location or the employee's former workplace.

Labor court proceedings typically begin with a conciliation hearing within weeks, where both parties attempt to reach an agreement. The majority of cases are resolved at this stage, as settlements often save time and costs. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a chamber hearing, involving professional and lay judges. This hearing can result in a verdict on the legality of the dismissal. However, even a verdict may not be final, as either party can appeal, potentially escalating the case to the State Labor Court and, under certain conditions, to the Federal Labor Court.

“

A conciliation hearing usually takes place within a few weeks after the lawsuit is filed. Both parties meet before the judge to see if a settlement is possible.