I have no idea how it is with the openness of paperwork/tax filings in the US, but if you are very interested I'm sure you could investigate the veracity of the

I have no idea how it is with the openness of paperwork/tax filings in the US, but if you are very interested I'm sure you could investigate the veracity of these claims. I agree with you in principle that it is a high number, but I do not think it is unthinkable. Especially if there have been "too few" firings over the years and a company has accumulated a relatively large amount of supporting staff.