Who's fault?
While I understand your issue with deadbeats, who's fault is it? The last time I checked, the company has the right to manage or mis-manage, whatever the case maybe. As a union member I've seen plenty of bad employees get the boot without union involvement. It's when an employee receives discipline without proper cause that a union should react. Remember,without a union it's employment at will which simply means an employee can get fired just because, not just cause!!