Layoffs have always been a part of the American automotive scene. The difference is that in the past they, and GM specifically, have only done layoffs when times are bad. This is something new and it is troubling for the following reasons.
1) GM had a large hiring spree literally months ago. To start massive layoffs so soon after said hiring spree means that either Barra and staff are woefully incompetent or they have adopted the 'hire and fire' approach to employment where they will hire large amounts of people and then cull the herd to keep what they deem suitable. This is an approach that is typically used by job shops or less reputable companies.
2) It appears GM did not layoff the large number of middle and upper management that they had initially leaked to the media. Early articles said around 25% of the executive staff would be cut. Anyone who has ever been an employee of GM knows how bloated the middle and upper management ranks are. It appears that GM has laid off relatively few executive staff compared to the working ranks. If I am wrong about the cuts to the executive staff then I think GM has a chance to survive but if it is business as usual then I give them another 10 years until the next bankruptcy.