September 06, 2008	Saturday	Ramazan 05, 1429

BERLIN, Sept 5: A German technology company in which Russians comprise more than a third of the staff has banned the use of foreign languages in the workplace.

Witeg, a maker of laboratory technology based in the south-western state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, employs 60 workers, including 21 Russians.

“This ruling in necessary because precise communication amongst workers is vital,” Managing Director Elmar Swiegot said in a statement published on Friday.

The decision had nothing to do with racism and was necessary for organisational reasons, he added.

Anyone who broke the rule would be given a warning and dismissal would follow for persistent offenders.—Reuters