Adrian I think you should suggest that he gives the guys a chance before firing them without warning. Especially if he has no real reason to be disappointed by them. At least you will have tried to do something and he'll know what you think.

I wouldn't start a revolution over this though, he hired some extra staff for the Christmas season, so it wasn't a secret that he'd need to get rid of some people after that.

If he found what he thinks is a better employee in one of the new guys than one that was already there well, tough luck for the old timer. It's not like the new guy is trying to steal his place. After all you for one are going up in hierarchy taking someone else's place at each step out of merit. That's how things go. How hard you work and how good you are at your job is more important than the time you've been there, even though with time you're suppose to improve.

In the end, the boss is the boss and it's his decision, someone has to take the tough ones.
Maybe he told you because he trusts you enough and wouldn't mind having your opinion on the matter. I'd share mine : give them a warning and notice, if the boss had been satisfied by their work it's the least they deserve, and maybe try to work out a solution to keep both good employees.


Ponrauil