Firing of cashier in Germany raises questions on capitalism

Given the global financial crisis, many people are questioning the need for capitalism, especially unchecked capitalism.

In Germany, the debate is getting a little more heated after a Berlin cashier was fired from a supermarket after working there 31 years and being accused of stealing $1.65 in bottle deposits, according to a Reuters story.

The case of Barbara Emme, or "Barbara E," is becoming as popular in the upcoming elections in Germany as "Joe the Plumber" was in the U.S. presidential election last year.

Reuters reported that leaders of Germany's major political parties criticized the supermarket's decision to fire Emme, 50, after a court upheld the sacking.

Horst Seehofer, leader of the Christian Social Union, said the case raised questions about capitalism.

"I don't understand how a cashier can be fired because of 1.30 euros while managers who lose billions of euros can keep their jobs," Seehofer told a rally in Bavaria.

The head of the supermarket chain that fired the cashier defended the decision, saying the company had lost confidence in her trustworthiness.