The difference between 2009 layoffs and 2019 is that GM lost $82 billion leading up to the 2009 layoffs, including $30.9 billion in 2008 alone. In 2018 the company made $11.8 billion even after $1.3 billion in restructuring costs.
This right here is why people need to stop comparing apples and oranges. The layoffs a decade ago were justified. What's happening today is a travesty.