If the dismissal was without just cause, the employer must reinstate the worker and pay the full salary since dismissal.

BBC: Italy's thorny labour law

But it also says, foolishly, that it will roll back reforms on pensions, dismissal of workers, sick pay and casual labour.

ECONOMIST: Chancellor Schr?der?

But the lower court, after being reversed on the dismissal issue, ordered him to pay dues at a per-member rate that would cover 95% of the salaries of union officials.

FORBES: Magazine Article

It came after a new pay deal was rejected and workers had to accept new contracts or face dismissal.

BBC: New strike in Southampton council pay dispute

Whether Mr Gerster's dismissal will lead to such a change may depend on the outcome of an unrelated pay dispute in Germany's engineering industries.

ECONOMIST: Germany's welfare state: Dropping the pilot | The