How many members do you think the union actually has? You are probably dramatically over-estimating, cuz IT types seem allergic to the idea of unions for whatever dumb-fuck reason. considering people pay dues to be in unions, the more people, the greater chance of most members being employed and the less bad it is for everyone. And how many of those union people are single income households or otherwise unable to meet most of their needs from savings and stuff?

Cuz like this isn't like unemployment, which most laid off people are already getting. This is literally a survival fund. Funds like these provide support to fill gaps to keep members from ending up homeless or dead. I’ve used similar, admittedly non-union, programs that I qualify for, and it’s not like a ton of money. You tell them what you need and why, and they give you exactly what you ask for and not a penny more. And every additional ask is a new request, usually, one that you have to justify.