You are basically describing every single takeover. When a company changes ownership it is unusual if there isn't a drastic shake up of things including working conditions. I don't understand why this one is a such a big deal other than the employees are throwing a temper tantrum. This type of thing is happening all the time all across the country yet people are discussing it like this is some new huge thing.
If as an employee you do not like the shake up, you always have the right to seek work other places. If you are indispensable (lottery/bus test) you may have some negotiating power but most of the time when up against a big corporation you are just SOL.
Every takeover? That's funny because when my employer was bought by a bigger company they increased benefits to ensure that they wouldn't lose their best employees.
If as an employee you do not like the shake up, you always have the right to seek work other places. If you are indispensable (lottery/bus test) you may have some negotiating power but most of the time when up against a big corporation you are just SOL.