Bob is a branchmanager for the West Branch location ofY Company. In this role, Bob supervises more than 50 full-time employees. Yesterday, the regional manager of Y Company, George,(who is Bob's direct supervisor)vistedthe West Branch location. George instructed Bob that each branch manager must terminate five(5) employees by the end of the business week. Y Company was making cuts to increase profits. George provided Bob with the official memo regarding the lay-offs. Each terminated employee would receive four (4) months salary as a severance package. The memo instructed all branch managers to report the names of the terminated employees within 48 hours and that all branch managers must adhere to all applicable laws.

As Bobwas leaving for the day, George asked to speak with him.

"Listen, Bob," George said to Bob quietly. "If you want my advice, I think you should lay offIrma and Harvey. They are both over 70 and should have retired a while ago. Also, I would lay off Elizabeth as well, because I heard a rumor that she is pregnant. Save yourself the maternity pay and the hassle of dealing with a replacement when she's on leave caring for that baby."

As George left the room, he turned around and said, "Also, make sure you terminate Nelly andCiara, because they are working to form a union. The union will include all of our workers, and it will cost us money."

Question One:

May Nelly andCiarabe fired on the sole basis that they are working to form a union?

Question Two:

May Elizabeth be fired on the basis of pregnancy? Explain your response and include the legal basis for your answer.

Question Three:

Are there any other non-permissiblereasons for termination that George discusses in the scenario?