While that was noble, it was also risky. Firing a few employees to keep the business afloat (and thus preserving the livelihood for a few) would certainly be be

While that was noble, it was also risky. Firing a few employees to keep the business afloat (and thus preserving the livelihood for a few) would certainly be better than the business tanking and having all employees out of a job. I agree with your sentiment: employers should keep their employees happy and compensate them well. But there is no obligation to do so.