There are several ways a union protects jobs. Because of certain rights during contract negotiations, not a single job was lost at any of the unions that are currently in negotiations.

During layoffs with unions, the company is required to bargain for affects to the workers, which sometimes reduces the amount of people that are actually out of a job.

I’m still friends and organize with Microsoft workers, and there are rumors swirling that parts of the layoffs may constitute Unfair Labor Practices at units with unions. This can only be caught because of workers that are also dedicated to fighting for their union.