Now, he said, employers can fire pro-union workers with no real cost.

Electric Boat could fire striking workers if the strike is found to be illegal.

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

When the division fell short, Ford fired workers and closed a renowned plant.

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

"We have no layoffs; it's a lifetime job, and you cannot fire workers," he said.

Now it's the middle class's turn to express its discontent - over a government plan to make it easier for businesses to fire young workers.

Life at work can be insecure; the company can fire workers.

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.