Its pretty simple. The representative is elected and its a popularity contest. And the most popular person is the one that is not afraid of the company which translates into the biggest blowhard most of the time. I've seen it again and again. Those of us that are not afraid AND can present and intelligent defense are disgusted by representing people that blame the union for not getting a truly guilty person off. I've driven hundreds of miles to represent someone that held back (from me and the company) a doctor's note that would have erased the entire matter (and did). I've got all charges dropped and never heard a word of thanks from the sour employee. 99% of people brought up on charges are guilty (of something) and 99% think they are as innocent as a lamb.