They're not "laying them off" in the traditional sense... ("Uh oh, people aren't buying as many of our lawnmowers as they used to. Shut down the production line and lay off those twelve people.")

E is creatively firing people and getting rid of those who might "infect" the others... I remember there was a guy at my branch who started talking smack about "the protection package" and what a load of crap it was, and what a crock E was... he was let go REALLL quick -- and we were discouraged from hanging out with "someone who was bitter cuz he coudn't hack it"

Ever go to the fish dept of the pet store and they have a little sub-tank within the main tank where they put a sick fish so he doesn't infect the others? It's the same thing -- except E just puts them right in the toilet.