That's not my argument at all. Firing probationary employees is really the only immediate lever they had, my understanding I'd that other employees are better protected.
Is it the right approach? Definitely not, but that doesn't mean it can't be a step in a better direction. That all depends on your goals and what you want to happen, I couldn't answer that question no matter what.
Probationary employees can more easily be fired for cause. Thousands of employees, including some of the best who had recently been promoted, were given the reason 'poor performance'.
So you are OK with firing the best because 'otherwise it's hard'.
You are OK with breaking the law because 'otherwise it's hard'.
You are OK with lying to people why they are fired because 'otherwise it's hard'.
You just want action and don't care if it's smart action, legal, or fair. That is item 3 on the checklist of fascism.
"The cult of action for action’s sake. “Action being beautiful in itself, it must be taken before, or without, any previous reflection. Thinking is a form of emasculation."
Is it the right approach? Definitely not, but that doesn't mean it can't be a step in a better direction. That all depends on your goals and what you want to happen, I couldn't answer that question no matter what.