If there are committees to discuss the changes, include copy editors on them. Recognize that standards of quality may have to be reduced during periods of change, but that fundamental tasks must be upheld perhaps through employee-written job descriptions.
Critiques are valuable for all newsroom employees.
For copy editors, though, it is a way for a good catch or good headline to receive praise. Good critiques contain praise along with the criticism. Evaluations and feedback are essential for change to occur. No one knows they are doing well or poorly without that. Evaluations should be specific and highlight the good with the bad.