Answer:
the layoffs were instances of employment at will
Explanation:
GEM Manufacturing's defense would most likely be that the layoffs were instances of employment at will.
Employment at will is a situation where a worker may be dismissed by an employer for any reason that may not be illegal and at anytime.
The Employers, in this question for example, terminated the relationship because of slowdown in sales. And this action affected the two employees with poorest attendance.