(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-11 19:36

BEIJING-- Three non-smoking employees in a small German computer company have been fired as the company only hires smokers, media reported on Friday.

The manager of the 10-person IT company in Buesum, named Thomas J., told the Hamburger Morgenpost newspaper he had fired the trio because their non-smoking was causing disruptions.

The three non-smoking employees just requested a smoke-free environment.

"I can't be bothered with trouble-makers," Thomas was quoted saying. "We're on the phone all the time and it's just easier to work while smoking. Everyone picks on smokers these days. It's time for revenge. I'm only going to hire smokers from now on."