Eight months' pay... then what?

Will they be on unemployment benefits if they are unable to find new employment? If so the savings will not be as announced because not only will those cost the nation, but the ex-employees will have far less money to spend on anything.

The outwards appearance intended is that of saving money but are there other reasons, more political then economic?

Agreed wrt last statement!

Underfund government services. Cry when they fail. "Gubmint is worthless an' incomtent.". Sell those government services to campaign contributors. It's the Republican MO.

There's nothing modern about at will employment, it's the oldest type there is.

The "country" is a losing project.