I agree with you on moral grounds, but I have some stories.
> Nor would I expect my union to go into bat for me, after anything like that was proven
Sure, but one of the jobs of the rep is to prevent it from being proven that you are guilty.
Also, there would be no need to strike, because the union has negotiated the bureaucratic processes that will be followed when you do something wrong. Following the usually slow process will let you look for ways to escape, including the company not properly filing paperwork within the allotted time.
> Nor would I expect my union to go into bat for me, after anything like that was proven
Sure, but one of the jobs of the rep is to prevent it from being proven that you are guilty.
Also, there would be no need to strike, because the union has negotiated the bureaucratic processes that will be followed when you do something wrong. Following the usually slow process will let you look for ways to escape, including the company not properly filing paperwork within the allotted time.
Source: union steward's stories.