Others said workers were fired because of behavior or performance problems.

It is difficult now for even small or struggling companies to fire workers here.

These workers had been fired upon by army soldiers sent to force them back to work.

Of course, this is Europe, and these workers aren't simply fired.

Nine social workers were fired in the case, including the adoption worker.

Germany also has new rules enabling employers to fire workers in the first two years.

A new law essentially allows companies to fire workers under 26 within the first two years of employment with little notice.

More than 4,500 workers have been fired since then.

Unclear how many now, but 9,000 of the full-time workers have been fired.

The changes, which would make it easier to fire workers, have provoked strong protest on the left here.