[carl63_99]

First off, WTF is the boss doing even telling someone about this before the axe falls? This is something they shouldn't be discussing with you or anyone else. I'd almost wonder if this "boss" of yours is even on the level, maybe trying to play people off against one another.

If it is a firing, where the person was at fault, ie imcompetent, then you should have seen it coming. If it's a downsizing, then yea, you're going to have to pull their weight after they go. Either get ready to work longer hours, or look for something else.

I think you should confront boss-man and tell him what the assistant does and how much it's going to hurt the business. if he moves forward with it, then it's his problem. I would also refuse to be the one doing the canning, because you don't support the decision; although that may get you fired too.