Well, one has to wonder what the works council got out of it in return for proceeding this way. Or what interests are behind acting like this - including at the union. Possible fears that colleagues might realize that a bad works council and an inactive union aren't helpful?
Of course, in their arguments they'll certainly claim that they prevented employees from being fired. And they'll probably pat themselves on the back and praise how well and prudently they acted. It's a lie, but it sure sounds good...
At Industrial Technology & Witchcraft there's the original article.