Layoffs (especially of 2k people) are interpreted as the company being in trouble. Letting contractors go is interpreted as business as usual. Defaults matter.

Layoffs (especially of 2k people) are interpreted as the company being in trouble. Letting contractors go is interpreted as business as usual. Defaults matter. FTEs are default live; they stay unless laid off or fired. Contractors are default dead; they're gone unless the contract is renewed. In this case they've rescinded offers that were made, which makes it unusual and newsworthy.