[chii]

> thin out the ranks of the older employees.

so is this desirable to the company because older aged workers aren't as productive as a younger person? I would've imagined that in most skilled trade, experience accounts for a lot.

[credit_guy]

The article states that this offer is for the white-collar employees

  General Motors will offer voluntary buyouts to a “majority” of its U.S. white-collar employees, according to a letter sent to workers Thursday from CEO Mary Barra.

[SkyPuncher]

Older workers tend to be more expensive because of their experience.

This is also a way to "encourage" those considering retirement to do it on your terms.

[red-iron-pine]

Lowering salaries. You're not paying Boomer rates to experience folks, you're paying Zoomer rates to noobs, and automating or offshoring the rest.

[s3p]

Maybe. Neither you nor OP nor I know.