Four former workers of UA Whampoa cinemas who alleged they were sacked for participating in union activities have won a case against the company, the Confederation of Trade Unions said yesterday. They are believed to be the first to win such a case since a labour law was passed in 1997 making it illegal to punish workers for joining unions. The workers filed the case in the Labour Tribunal after losing their jobs last March, said Mak Tak-ching, organising secretary for the confederation. The labour law prohibited discrimination against participation in unions, Mr Mak said. Presiding officer Anthony Kwok was to award an unspecified amount to the workers yesterday, but a decision was postponed until March 18. UA officials said they did not want to comment. Mr Mak said the four worked as ushers and ticket vendors at the Whampoa theatre. They joined the Personal Services Workers General Union last February to press the company to pay the traditional one-month's bonus, or 'double-pay', which the theatre managers had decided to scrap for the ushers and ticket vendors, Mr Mak said. In March, the company sacked them and four other staffers who did not join the union, Mr Mak said. 'They blamed economic problems and they accused the workers of performing poorly.' He said he hoped the amount awarded by the judge would not be petty so the case could set an example. 'It's a clear case of unfair and unreasonable dismissal.'