Can someone provide more context to these layoffs? I expect there are not single or simple explanations. Given that, my impression is big tech expanded especially during the COVID era and they are contracting in conjunction with the banking crisis and demand for high stock value all at the cost of workers.

Trust Data not Lore

Will the workers be fired for not showing up to work? Certainly seems like a way to downsize rapidly.

I am disappointed and not surprised that any Xcel spokesperson would deny any and all responsibility. These companies will not make safer or robust systems unless we as a society force them to do so. If I am not mistaken, they have plenty of profit from recent price gouging to make their infrastructure safer.