To improve productivity, manufacturing companies have recently begun restructuring work to produce more goods with fewer assembly-line workers, and the companies have laid off many workers as a consequence. The workers laid off have been those with the least seniority (time on the job), generally the younger workers. The statements above, if true, most strongly support which of the following as a conclusion? ['Some of the innovations in assembly-line processes and procedures that were made to increase productivity have instead proved to be counterproductive.', 'The products manufactured by the companies are not undergoing design changes while the manufacturing jobs are being restructured.', 'When assembly-line workers have made suggestions for improvements in manufacturing processes, some suggestions have been implemented, but many have not.', 'The manufacturing companies are increasing the average age of their assembly- line workforce while still seeking to increase production.']