My early years were in a union. Later, as a supplier rep to the auto industry, I saw first-hand how the union folks and management worked together. (much friction) Even now, the automakers have a hard time making timely improvement decisions because of union worker fear of losing jobs, or just plain obstinacy. I don't believe it was a good decision to bail out the automakers. (Ford received no bail out)
Had they gone through bankruptcy like any normal failing business, they could have restructured as more efficient organizations.