Upvoting because you’re not wrong. But I’d also like to explore the the topic more & maybe (somehow!) find workable solutions.

I have a union job. Certain hours are guaranteed, certain wages are guaranteed. I observe people far enough in life, 40s & 50s, they’ve done the job for 15+ years & don’t have outstanding bills…then they just don’t show up to work. Just as you say! Suddenly they’re “sick” but not, or they just flake.

I don’t mean to worship the terms of employment, but the hours & the wage is part of the job. We do what others are unwilling to do; that’s part of it. Coming from multiple, significantly shittier, non-union jobs, most of me just wants to shout do your job you piece of shit. The job you don’t do, your brothers & sisters are forced to pick up your slack. Do your job, the job you agreed to do, the job you are paid to do & someone else cannot because you currently hold position. And you’re just…shitting all over the job, and other people. So thanks for that.

I can all but guarantee they’re thinking, “…eh. I’ve got enough money. I don’t have to do my job today. And they can’t immediately fire me if I don’t do it.” Then they fucking slack. That’s the problem. How do we fix that??