Berlin - A German court confirmed on Tuesday that a supermarket which sacked a cashier for stealing coupons worth just 1.3 euros (1.7 dollars) was within its rights, in a case which has aroused debate in Germany.

The 50-year-old woman, who has not been named by the German media, burst into tears at the employment tribunal, where she had taken the case after being dismissed a year ago.

The case has seen various solidarity campaigns for the woman, nicknamed "Emmely", who had worked for the Berlin store for more than 30 years.

The judges on Tuesday endorsed the decision of the supermarket, saying the theft proved she could not be trusted with supermarket takings.

Supporters of the sacked employee have organised "Solidarity with Emmely" demonstrations, along with an Emmely website, claiming she was victimised for union activities.

The woman began work at the shop in 1977, when it was an East German food store, and she saw it transformed into a colourful western-style supermarket after communism ended.

She also led strikes against the new owners for higher pay in 2007.

A customer had originally lost the two coupons, which represented cash credits for returning empty bottles to the shop.

Labour groups claimed she was victimized for her militancy, and have mounted protests all over Germany, putting Emmely stickers on fruit in the chain's other stores. The case attracted national media attention too.

But appeal judges said there was no evidence of victimization. They said German law permitted dismissal for cashiers proven to have stolen, no matter how small the amount, because a cashier had to be absolutely honest. (dpa)