I saw some reports that a lot of those affected are ones who've been there for a long time (= older workers), along with comments along the lines of "last year

I saw some reports that a lot of those affected are ones who've been there for a long time (= older workers), along with comments along the lines of "last year I'd have gotten 25 weeks severance - now I'm going to get 4." Makes you wonder whether any of those folks will now decide that the reduced severance payment isn't worth giving up the opportunity to sue.