From the article:
In an FAQ on the union’s website, it’s explained that discussions of a union began after the layoffs at CD Projekt, which amounted to roughly 100 people. “This event created a tremendous amount of stress and insecurity, affecting our mental health and leading to the creation of this union in response,” reads the FAQ. "Having a union means having more security, transparency, better protection, and a stronger voice in times of crisis.
Aren’t layoffs the norm for the games industry? You hire a bunch of people to make your new AAA title. A few years later, the game is out and the bugs are fixed, and now you don’t need all these employees anymore. Rinse and repeat when you’re ready to make the next AAA title.
Not defending the practice, but developers shouldn’t be surprised when they’re laid off after the company deems that they’re no longer needed.