Scroll down and read headlines, for a minute or so. Note the wide variety of industries, companies, and similarity of the events unfolding.
Then ask yourself if this is what happens during "The best economy in US history!" "Record low unemployment!" etc, etc...
Yep, as @cin said...
"constant disruptive technology"
With Verizon and I am sure with other large companies the way they would get rid of people was typically layoffs. In my many years I haven't seen that many people get fire unless they did something easy to fire them for.
This always happens, especially when you have constant disruptive technology entering the market.
There will always be strategic downsizing. Rarely do you see buyouts. Other than the company bankruptcies and mergers, most of the layoffs are small.