HR tucks their tail between their legs when it comes to any disputes with the union represented employee. The lack of deference some employees display is unsettling and instead of HR defending the company, they allow the union and employee to set the parameters. You can't always blame the employees because the culture is absolutely toxic. Management thinks rigidly and does next to nothing to support field and plant workers. "The customer is always right" goes way too far and employees are quickly on a path of corrective action without any due diligence on their behalf. HR's role is to understand employees, to invite them in to help morale and find solutions. Unfortunately, their HRBP tow's the proverbial line, following management lockstep instead of being an ally or representing the employee in any way. The relationship between management and Human Resources is a one-way street where they become just as vocal as leadership when handling staff. HR will "pile on" so to speak, pressuring questioning instead of trying to understand.