Think of it like this.
Forced leave will reduce the numbers on the workfront at any given time. This will help the company gauge if the work is getting cleared and if their reduction in the number of employees is accurate.
The ALAEA is saying that the culling numbers are excessive and the work will not be getting done with the reduced available manpower and therefore hoping that management may change their outlook and save jobs.
Don't forget that the operation depends on overtime.
Due to the fact that people have regulated their overtime recently, it is hoped that it may have shown the management that they really do need more people than less.