I've heard that quite a few have been tapped on the shoulder, and told don't worry, you'll be back.
Looking from the outside in, I'd say they think this is a great way to get rid of the ones they didn't want (union leaders, troublemakers, anyone with a less than idea work ethic, etc), but they had to get rid of a few others at the same time, so it didn't look like that was what they are doing........