I completely understand all the concern expressed here. I like others have sought insight into the situation on this site, and there have been useful bits of info. However, some of the hyperbole here is not helpful and I feel compelled to respond.
52053 spoke about the walk of shame. Sorry, but in my long career at QC, I don't know of any case where that has happened in a general layoff. We're all grownups, and the company treats us as such until the end. 52241 postulated sabotage. If QC is worried about that, it hasn't been evident. As far as I know, previously affected folks had normal company access right up to their exit interview.
The California WARN Act requires 60 day notice when 50 or more employees are laid off within a 30 day period. This one is big enough. There are some exceptions, but most CA employees should get that long. (The same may not be true for out of state employees.)
Feel free to alert the media, but for a layoff this large, the WARN act requires media and government notice anyway, so the company will be doing that at some point soon.
I'm willing to bet all affected will be getting a severance package of some sort. The more conservative estimates mentioned here are on the right track as far as the terms go. I would expect in the interest of fairness and avoiding any legal risk that everyone will be given similar terms.
As for whether or not this is being handled well... I actually think the lawyers are calling a lot of the shots. There are unbelieveable amounts of rules that have to be followed. Is it really any less disorganized than a tapeout?
While I know working conditions in QCT may be stressful and unpleasant, when it comes to the layoff arrangements, I think the company is being plenty generous (again, of course, it's to avoid legal issues - you're basically agreeing not to sue when you take that severance). I've been at a startup where folks got kicked out on the spot, with little if any severance to speak of. Those that survived eventually got "laid off" when they showed up to locked doors one day. While it may not be a good feeling, most of us will get 2 months to deal with the transition, and a variety of resources to help.
Finally, I'm not speaking from any high-horse position. I got my 60-day notice this week. It sounds like many more will be getting notified in the coming days and weeks (unfortunately, possibly into Jan). Best of luck to all...