[raz32dust]

How is "firing people" more clear in intent than "Reduction in force"? Reduction in force/cutting costs is usually the intent. People getting fired is a side effect. "Firing people" is a more vivid picture, which is exactly why it is not the right term - it's too personal a term for something that usually is not personal. Performance-based layoffs = Firing. Cost/business-outlook-based layoffs = RIFs.

[drewcoo]

And why are they a "force" when they're being fired, but they're "resources" when they're not.

I'd like to be considered a "force" while I'm still working there. Capes as swag would be cool, too.

[paulddraper]

"Lay off" is both succinct and accurate