In Germany, there needs to be a work agreement in place for mass movement like this, signed by employees and union.

Unfortunely for the Dutch employees that doesn't seem to be the case in Netherlands.

It sounds like you are confusing being fired with being laid off.

Maybe I am. What's the difference and how does it apply to what I'm saying?

Because when you are laying people off and giving them a severance, you are taking more care of them than you would be if you were firing them. That's the entire basis of this comment thread.

Most of the employees in this announcement are in Europe, where there is no "firing" (i.e. at-will employment aka employer abuse).

There's only laying off with a severance and firing for cause, where firing for cause is by design <<super>> hard to do. And it's definitely not something that can be done to masses of people at once without all the government authorities coming to pay the offending company a visit ASAP.

> That's the entire basis of this comment thread.

Not if you figure out the entire context of this event.

You redefined firing to be whatever you want it to be. It's a bit nonsensical to assume all firings are employer abuse.

I cannot imagine a lawsuit could be cheaper - if they lose (and might very well) they'll be forced to pay the due severance and fees and penalties. But until then...