After reading this, I think this comment was in poor thinking: the PIP would carry a stigma -- usually companies let of under performers as a part of a bigger l

After reading this, I think this comment was in poor thinking: the PIP would carry a stigma -- usually companies let of under performers as a part of a bigger lay off (no stigma attached, as positions have been eliminated -- not the individuals); here it seems to be they're doing the opposite (they're firing people as to avoid publicizing a general lay off). Of course I don't know the true situation, so this is mere speculation.