The original plan was to include the ASM layoffs at the same time. However, some folks at the area management and the home office levels, raised warnings. Initially, it was fear of leaving the stores too understaffed before new part-timers could be hired to replace laid off full-timers. So, as a matter of fact, the SM's are being allowed to rehire some of these, but as part-timers, in a few weeks. Once the staffing situation is under control, there go many ASM's.
Another reason for a delay is a bit of horror at what some SM have done. HR is seeing too many reports of discriminatory practices that will lead to legal action. As far as I've been told, age and ethnic seem to be the prevalent worries. Some SM's have come up with bogus performance reports to conveniently justify firing those they don't want. A half-drunk staffer shed some tears while my best friend heard of his frustration that this will harm the company. So, if you believe that you have been unfairly treated with untimely and undue write-ups...perhaps it was personal, or simply discriminatory. And if an ASM is your friend, do her/him a favor and provide a heads-up.