Face it. Time to abandon ship. They moved all those folks up here and then overspent on the big deal. Coffee cuts, travel cuts, and the email is enough for anyone to realize what is going on
Lunches and coffee cuts, travel cuts and limitation on flight cost, FO sending emails eluding to layoffs, list goes on
Firing vs lay-off actually does not matter- large companies are known to offer severance packages in both cases (and yes, Shire did), especially when mulitple people are let go at the same time. Companies do this to protect their butts- the displaced forfeit their right to sue for wrongful termination by signing the severance offer. For that reason, think carefully before you sign.
Then be prepared to fight corporate attorneys. If there was any justification for being fired, you will not stand a chance in court an will pay through the ass for your right to sue. Been there. Done that.
If it isn't for change of cause, you will get severance regardless of at will employee status etc...idiot