If the auto companies get a bailout, then they can continue to sell cars (GM's revenue is on the order of $150B) and that revenue can be used to continue to pay

If the auto companies get a bailout, then they can continue to sell cars (GM's revenue is on the order of $150B) and that revenue can be used to continue to pay the workers, the suppliers, etc. If they go under, then all the money to support laid-off auto workers has to come from the government.