How about making any kind of move to reverse "right to work" laws that make it essentially impossible to even try to unionize? I'll pay attention when someone is willing to go to bat against these anti-worker abominations.
The best way to motivate is to build relationship and demonstrate a sense of excitement or at least show real-world connection to content. Relationship is the key, though. Students will care more about anything you say if they trust that you care about them.
I think it's more that they are fucking dumbass pieces of shit.