Jeff Sessions has to deal with these folks on a daily basis. That might explain why he is having some issues moving ahead.
kwg
Give a direct order to do a specific thing; if it's not followed or there's refusal, fire them.
Just make sure it's documented & with witnesses.
Almost never don't work in virtually any work environment, even unionized places.
But if you just throw up your hands in the air & give up, you lose..................probably only take a couple of example being made & most of the rest will toe the line.
Even if they fight it, takes a while to get it resolved.
MM