When a business is failing and in a tailspin, there is more work to be done by the few that are left. Stress levels increase exponentially. This brings out the worst behavior. Depending on your location it will affect the timing of the layoff. Do not think because you were not laid off but someone else was at a different location means you are safe. When a company is downsizing there are several factors in how they do it. First, they will eliminate contract labor that is easy. Next, they will start preparing to lay off staff in different locations and/or geographies. Some states have thresholds on the size of the layoff. If they do not exceed that threshold, they do not need to report the layoff to the state. No, it is not if you get laid off, but when. Upper management starts to maneuver themselves into prime positions before they screw everyone else. You might call this the return of the “good old boy” network.
An on point post from @jon+18dWOScF, bumped for visibility.