This is an eye opener. Wait until you read how German employees are treated. In comparison we look pathetic, not like the 'World Power' we like to think of ourselves.
German employment law is vastly different from anything an American employer is usually prepared for. High standards of employee protection and a myriad of unexpected rules and regulations have a strong impact on the way human resources must be handled.
http://www.siegwart-law.com/Sgal-en/lawyer-german-employment-law-germany.html

DO SOMETHING!